John F. Pfiester

John F. Pfiester, 84, of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away peacefully at his home on January 20, 2024, after a nearly 5-year battle with gastroesophageal cancer.  

He is preceded in death by Henry Pfiester (father), Elizabeth Pfiester (mother), Rosie Pfiester (sister), and Joe Pfiester (grandson).

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Donna (Anderson), children, Mike (Lizzie), Mark (Marcia), Matt (Keeanna), Marty (Sarah), Mary Pam (Nate Rennekamp), Margie (Bill MacDonald), along with numerous grandchildren, Jenna, Jordan, Jake, Julia, Lexi, Luke, Laci, Addie, Ben, Nathan, Maria, Logan, Harrison, Angus, and great grandchildren Blake, Kai, and Chase.  

John grew up in St. Matthews, a suburb of Louisville, KY.  He was a member of the inaugural graduating class of Trinity High School in 1957, and regularly conveyed pride in his alma mater’s football accomplishments. He continued his education at Bellarmine University and graduated with a business degree in 1961. During this time, John also served as a member of the Army National Guard for 9 years.   He then married Donna on November 26, 1964, and took a position with the Army Corps of Engineers as the Executive Director of The Federal Executive Board in downtown Cincinnati, after which he and Donna relocated on the west side.  He retired 29 years later and accepted a part-time position opening the Clippard YMCA every morning at 5 a.m. for 10 years.  He loved this position, which allowed him to forge countless relationships with members of the YMCA family.  He became a predominant community figure, creating a gathering space to exchange the scuttlebutt with members around the coffee that he lovingly prepared each morning.    

John and Donna raised their 6 children and valued the importance of a Catholic education and foundation.  All attended either St. Ignatius or St. James grade schools, and LaSalle and McAuley high schools. All 6 of his children then furthered their education in college/university.

John’s passion for all competitive sports was evident in always having a game on television at any given time.  He was a true fan, and his viewership ranged from professional and collegiate sports to more niche areas such as Canadian Football League games and Professional Bowling Association matches. He also thoroughly enjoyed watching all his children and grandchildren compete in multiple sports over the years that included football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and gymnastics at various levels of competition.  He was known and loved by other parents for his witty commentary, and it was obvious that he was his children’s and grandchildren's biggest fan and supporter.

A lover of supreme organization and order, John enjoyed meticulously entering his daily activities and upcoming events in his hand-written calendar.  He was a master budgeter, always finding ways to make the almighty dollar extend. He also had a passion for music and would always have a record playing in the background.  His favorite was the singer songwriter genre, especially Gordon Lightfoot, Johnny Cash, Bob Seger, and Bruce Springsteen.

John loved food and drink.  Whether it was Donna cooking her famous meatloaf or pot roast, or John cooking his family-famous supreme pizza from scratch, giant pot of chili, or spaghetti and meat sauce, he loved them all.  He also loved a good fish sandwich during Lent. He was a huge fan of the Cincinnati favorites - Skyline, LaRosa’s, and The Hitching Post fried chicken. His favorite pastime was gathering with friends over lunch or dinner. His charm and charisma made him the life of any party, especially when sharing some spirits with family and friends.  His humor and distinct laugh were memorable, generating stories fundamental to his family identity that they have enjoyed sharing at gatherings over the years. 

Sharing his blessings with the community was important to John, as seen through his support of local schools and charities.  He participated in various groups including the seniors’ groups at St. James and St. Ignatius, as well as, on the board for his condo’s HOA.  He was active in his local Amvets and enjoyed being part of that community. 

John’s courage and vitality for life was extremely evident during his nearly 5-year battle with cancer.  He defied all odds and statistics, living on borrowed time, fighting until the very end.  He was cherished by his family and loved by so many in the plethora of communities that he created and engaged in throughout his life.  His impact was broad and powerful, and he will be missed by all.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you to consider a donation to The American Cancer Society by following this link or Society of St. Vincent de Paul by following this link.

Visitation with family will be held at Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home on 5527 Cheviot Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45247 from 4:30-7:00 pm on Thursday, January 25, 2024.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 11 am at St. Ignatius Catholic Church located at 5222 N Bend Road, Cincinnati, OH 45247.   Funeral procession immediately following to St. James Catholic Cemetery located at 3565 Hubble Road, Cincinnati, OH 45247.