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Albert Seitz Pfaff, the only child of Albert H. Pfaff and Jeanette Seitz Pfaff, passed away late Tuesday evening at home.
He was born on March 6, 1924 in Newark, New Jersey. Albert's childhood was a happy one in Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ, where his began his life-long love of sailing.
Albert attended Columbia High School where he met Helen Peterson, the girl who became his life's great love. He was honorably dismissed from high school to first attend Clemson College, then an all-male military school in South Carolina; followed by the Naval Reserve Midshipmen School at New York's Columbia University. After 90 days there, he was deployed to South East Asia for a four month tour with the U.S. Navy. While on leave, Lt. Pfaff returned home to marry his Helen on June 3, 1943.
After the war, Albert and Helen returned to Clemson, earning his degree in textile engineering. The couple subsequently settled in Minetto, NY where he was employed by Columbia Mills, eventually being appointed as President of the company.
Albert's adult life was defined by his family, his work, and his passion for sailing. He served as a swim coach for his children's team, and captained many family sailing memories. He was also active in the community, serving on local hospital and school boards. When Columbia Mills closed, he worked for 10 years with Pass & Seymour, retiring in in 1988.
Albert is survived by his five children: Julie Patrick (Michael), Jacqueline Pfaff-Pratt (the former Keith Pratt), Kurt Pfaff (Bonnie), JoBeth Stone (Ray), and Peter Pfaff (Kathy); as well as by 10 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. He will be laid to rest next to his life partner and true love, Helen, in the Riverside Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4-6 PM on Friday, Feb. 13 at the Dain Cullinan Funeral Home in Oswego.
Rev. Chuck Forbes will officiate services at Minetto United Methodist Church on Saturday, Feb. 14th at 11 AM, followed by a luncheon reception.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Friends of Riverside Cemetery of Oswego, Page Memorial Chapel Tiffany Stained Glass Window Restoration Fund, 4024 County Route 57, Oswego, NY 13126.
