George F. Pfeifer, age 92, of Liverpool, NY, died peacefully in his sleep in the early morning of Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Brookdale in Manlius.

George was born in Utica, New York, the only surviving child of George, Sr. and Rose Pfeifer. He spent his early days playing baseball at Goldbas field next to his house, honing his batting skills via pickup games and his team the Palace Aces. At his parents' confectionary and tobacco shop, he learned the delicate skill of shuffleboard, becoming an unbeatable champion, trading victory for beer with overconfident bar denizens who didn't appreciate his skill.

In 1950, George graduated from Utica Free Academy, despite having to repeat the fifth grade due to illness.  He had studied to become an electrician, but soon after graduation, in 1951, he enlisted in the New York National Guard with the 336th AAA Gun Battalion, and was called to active duty as the Korean War had begun. He did basic training at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds and later served with Company G of the 101st Armored Cavalry. He then transferred to the 228th Engineers division, repairing and building communications and radar equipment.

After he was discharged from the Army, he married the love of his life, Barbara, at St. Francis de Sales Church, in 1956. They celebrated almost 67 years together, until her death in 2023.

George's interest in physics began when he received a set of magnets as a gift as an adolescent. This, and the GI Bill, set the path for his future. George was a graduate of Utica College of Syracuse University, obtaining a baccalaureate degree in Physics in 1958, graduating summa cum laude. He was a charter member of Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honor society.  He was accepted to the first class of GE's Advanced Course allowing him to obtain a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering at Syracuse University, over the next couple of years, while also working as an electrical engineer at the General Electric Company in Utica.

Relocating to Liverpool in 1963, George briefly taught physics at Syracuse University while working at General Electric Electronics Parkway and the Farrell Road complex. His work at GE encompassed solid state electronics, sonar, and digital signal processing techniques applied to radar systems at their E-Lab facility. Throughout his tenure, George authored and coauthored many different patents, which have contributed to future patented inventions in use today. George continued as an electrical engineer at General Electric for 30 years, until his retirement in 1991.

After retirement, George obtained his pilot's license at the age of 70, fulfilling a lifelong ambition that started with a first flight lesson at the Riverside School of Aeronautics in Utica, so many years ago. He went on to fly to various destinations in the northeast, and flying in Hawaii during his many trips there with Barbara.

Throughout his life, George was active as a volunteer for the Bayberry Community Association, creating their mosquito control program among other activities; the Boy Scouts of America, leader of his sons' troops; the Seneca Boys Baseball League, as manager of his sons' baseball teams, as well as manager for the Allstar team in 1981.

He organized, ran, and participated in community leagues for basketball, tennis, volleyball and softball. His senior league softball team also participated in the Empire Senior Games in Canada.

George was a member of the Elfun Society, the Knights of Columbus, and the United Flying Octogenarians (UFOs). He was an annual gardener, proudly growing his own version of a victory garden.

George also owned and operated GFP Services, a plowing service, which he would run from his home base. He plowed residences, apartment lots and the local Super Duper grocery store lot in the early morning hours before heading off to GE for his real job.

He enjoyed working on cars throughout his life.  He could often be found in the garage working on everything from repairing the body work to the mechanics. He even learned welding at the local community college to complete his skillset. George was quite proud of his small collection of US Army jeeps, including an authentic WW2 military jeep he restored.

A long-term parishioner of Christ the King Church in Bayberry, George was a Eucharistic minister for many years, and attended services until he was no longer able.

He is survived by their children; Leah (Paul) Pastel, Matt (Debbie) Pfeifer of Arlington, TX; James (Joanne) Pfeifer of Fairport, Joseph Pfeifer of Liverpool, Teresa Pfeifer, Mary (Dr. David) Shapiro of Amherst, Jean Pfeifer (Michael Maclean) of Cape Vincent and John (Amy) Pfeifer of Liverpool.  Also, survived by his thirteen grandchildren; Gwen, Craig and Colby Pastel, Billy (Catie) Pfeifer, Melissa Pfeifer, Christopher and Jennifer Snowden,  Krystina (Patrick) McClure, Daniel (Ashley Simpson) Pfeifer and Eric (Dr. Suzanna Law) Pfeifer, Alex Shapiro, Hannah and Madeline Pfeifer, two great-grandchildren; Tyler and Noah McClure and many cousins, including two first cousins; Marge Scholefield and Dr. John Spring.

His family wishes to thank the staff at Brookdale in Manlius, for the care shown to George in his last days, as well as the staff at The Hearth at Green Point over the past year.  Special thanks to Father Zach Miller at Christ the King Church for the comfort given throughout the years.

A calling hour will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am in Christ the King Church, 21 Cherry Tree Circle, Liverpool, NY 13090, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 am. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Baldwinsville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation or a charitable organization of your choice.

Please sign the Maurer Funeral Home online guest book for George to express your condolences to his family.