40-Year 'Dedicated' Oakland Firefighter Peter Pfeiffer Dies

OAKLAND, NJ —For Peter Pfeiffer, being a firefighter was everything.

Whether it was going to an emergency call, polishing an old firetruck, or just teaching new recruits how to be firefighters, it was what he loved to do, his daughter, Jennifer Post said.

"He was still going to calls at 71 years old," Post said. "He was the most dedicated family man and firefighter, always helping."

Peter Martin Pfeiffer, 71, was an Oakland firefighter for nearly 40 years until his death Wednesday, 10 days before his 72nd birthday.

That family started 46 years ago when Pfeiffer married his widow, Karen, in 1973. They met through a pen pal program when Pfeiffer served during the Vietnam War.

"He was the kindest, most gentle man you could meet," Post said, choking back tears. "He was so witty and quick on his feet."

In addition to his wife, Pfeiffer is survived by his children, Debbie and Jennifer, and her husband, Matthew; grandchildren, Emma, Carter, and Samuel; brothers, Thomas and Charles; and many family and friends.

The Oakland Fire Department will honor Pfeiffer during a funeral service following a funeral Mass at the Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Franklin Lakes at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Visitation with the family is Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Oakland Memorial Home, 330 Ramapo Valley Road in Oakland. Interment will be at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah.

"It is heartwarming to know that he has such an impact on others, and that other people admired him so much," Post said. "That means so much."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com