Erich Pfisterer, on May 13, 2015 of Washington Twp. Age 77. Beloved husband of the late Melitta I. (nee Rettenmaier). Devoted father of Sid Pfisterer (Elizabeth). Loving grandfather of Kyle. Dear brother of Heinz, Elsie, Helga and Rudy.

Erich Pfisterer was a man of action, goals and dreams. He went to Canada where his life’s quest was to become a Diamond Setter and with only a few dollars in his pocket, not knowing the language, customs or land, put his plan into gear and through hard work and relentless determination became and achieved what many have called the American Dream. He could have easily been the main character in any short story by Horatio Alger, the true rags to riches success tale. He told me more than once that he was lucky in his life and I would say to him “Dad you made your own luck” and he would say “you know Sid I guess you’re right”

I believe living and growing up in war torn Germany and what he and his family had to endure gave him the desire and drive to give his own family a better life and, you know, he succeeded and succeeded well. He told me numerous times that he would never trade his childhood for anything or with anybody. Dad was the true adventurer probably to the consternation of his own amusement.

Yes he passed a few days ago, however his life is a celebration of all his achievements, friends and family. Since being back in New Jersey, I have heard many – many times how he touched the lives of all those around him. I know he touched Liz, Kyle and I beyond what anyone could imagine. He was always there for us no matter what was going on in his life and for that I say Thank You Dad.

Erich loved my mom Melitta deeply and was heartbroken when she passed years ago. I have seen him cry only twice in his life and that was one of them. He and my mom did everything together, whether it was working on the house, working together on Jewelers Row in the shop, traveling or raising me. Being new to a strange land, they had their share of problems, however, they worked them out and continued on. My mom helped him become the man he was. Those of you who did not know her missed out on a very fine, fantastic, sincere and loving lady. I know he still missed her to the end.

I miss you mom.

I have to say that both of my parents were fabulous and always put me first, cared for me and loved me. While setting up the arrangements for my dad, I had to gather some photos for the service and went through thousands and thousands of photos (always the avid photographer) he took over the years and as Kyle and I figured out which ones to bring to the service, we came to the clear realization that my mom’s life and my own were great as well all because of him. His family came first, his quest second, he did fantastic with both.

Those of you in recent years probably have met and know Sonja. Sonja was my dad’s love in later years. She helped him through two very difficult times when my mom passed and the second when he was battling his own health issues. Those were the sad times however, they both had many more great times together, whether they were traveling, going to parties, visiting friends or just being in each other’s company. My pop always spoke highly of her. I know Sonja is deeply saddened, and I would like to say to you that my dad cherished your time together.

Dad adorned my son Kyle as some of the pictures you will see at the service show. First thing he would always ask when he called is how is Kyle doing in school, sports and his health. He was so concerned about him and his future that he made it very clear to both him and I that KP was going to obtain his Master’s Degree in his field and yes KP is still on course. Pop-Pop took Kyle to Germany once and was so proud of how he acted that he never stopped talking about it and actually had plans for a second visit. He would always say Kyle is such a great kid. I truly wish that my son and dad could have spent more time together, Kyle would have learned so much from him.

As with KP, my dad was very concerned for my wife Liz. After asking about KP, he would ask about her. Even when he was having his troubles, Liz was always in his thoughts and would offer to help anyway he could. He told me a few times over the years that I did well with my family and was proud of all of us.

His interests varied and were mostly dealing with outside activities, which is ironic since his career dealt with him sitting behind a jewelry bench indoors 8,10, 11 hours a day. I think he would have been just as happy if his career would have been a park ranger, sailboat captain or ski instructor. He absolutely loved sailing, skiing, climbing and hiking. He read the latest techniques to better his style whatever the sport; his personal library contained mostly these types of books. Personally I think his love for sailing and being part of “The Club” was on the top of the list. He would regale me with his experiences both on and off land at the club, a true sailor.

I personally thank each of you for being his friend and making his and hopefully your life better; I know he made mine great.

By Dad – see you someday.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation Monday 9:30-11:00 AM at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Rd., Washington Twp. Funeral service 11:00 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Erich’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.egizifuneral.com

“A Life Well Lived
Is Worth Remembering”