In Memory of

John

L

Pfeuffer

Life Story for John L Pfeuffer

John Louis Pfeuffer of Ozone Park passed away unexpectedly on December12, 2020.
John was the only son and youngest child of Louis and Frances “Patsy” (O’Leary). His dad predeceased John’s birth by 4 months but he had many role models from uncles and family friends. He is survived by his wife Ro, daughters Chrissie (Rob) Basham; Diana (Christopher) Harreus; grandchildren, Michael, Robert and Patrick Basham, Katherine and Samantha Harreus; his sister Carol (Vincent) Femenella of Newburgh, NY ; Brother in law Joseph Cincotta (Debbie) of Tobyhanna, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Susan Ramos, nephew Anthony “AJ” Femenella, step father Joseph Taylor and in-laws Vincent and Carmela Cincotta.
John attended Aviation High School in Queens, St. Mary’s Seminary in Garrison and graduated from Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn. He had a long career in the steamship industry at American Export Lines, Netumar Steamship Lines and eventually retired from Turkon America as a Manager in the Container Department
John was a renaissance man. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Notre Dame Football (he visited the campus for the “Rudy” experience with his grandson Michael) and New York Giants (a season ticket holder for many years). He was a train enthusiast with huge displays depicting many trains and layouts.
John was very interested in the history of New York. A fan of Jimmy Breslin’s stories and books, he would walk the NYC streets “exploring” the history as well as walking in his favorite Forest Park in Queens, averaging 8-10 miles a day. He was the bartender at JP’s place, his private salute to Jackie Gleason. Many good times were spent there with no tab for the “customers”. He was a fan of Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and he idolized John Prine. Family Halloweens with theme costumes were an annual tradition; this past Halloween he was a “bright” Uncle Fester. For over 40 years at Christmas John was “Santa” to his children, nieces, nephews, friends and more recently his grandchildren. This was something he loved to do and enjoyed every minute of Christmas Eve. During the warm weather he would relax in his backyard pool and meet cousins for trips to the beach or the race track.
John always had fun where ever he was. Even if he admitted that things were not perfect he put that aside and made the most of every situation. He was a presence when he entered a room and you always had a good time when “JP was in the house”. He was always up for anything.
He will be missed by family, his neighborhood friends at Geordie’s Joint, his football friends (especially those who will miss him at NYG games in Detroit which he loved to attend), and others too numerous to mention (apologies for anyone omitted).
In lieu of flowers please raise a glass to his memory.
Due to covid-19 there will be a memorial celebration of life at a later date.