John died on January 16, 2020 in the peaceful setting of the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, NH surrounded by family: his wife, Mel, of 50 years, and his three sons; Trask, Bret and Jeb. John was a dynamic and kind person, passionate about all that life had to offer. In addition to his sons, John had three wonderful daughters-in-law and eight grandchildren that were never far from his thoughts. He adored each of them and took great pride in their successes. John spent most of his childhood in the outdoors of Maine at Sugarloaf Mountain and later went on to boarding school at Holderness where he was the school president and captained two sports, lacrosse and skiing. From Holderness, he went on to join the class of 1971 at Dartmouth College where he lettered in skiing and was a member of Theta Delta Chi and The Senior Society, Sphinx. While at Dartmouth, he married Mel Hinman and developed lasting long friendships.

After graduating Dartmouth, John moved to Bradford, NH and went to work for Universal Packaging, now known as Graphic Packaging. He was promoted to plant manager of their Bow, NH facility at the young age of 26 and went on to become Vice President of Manufacturing when his longtime boss, Glen Dillon, retired. Upon the later retirement of Jack Hutton, he was named President of what is now Graphic Packaging's folding carton division. John was a mentor to many of the company's current executives. He continued to pursue innovation technology in the folding carton industry.

John was a current selectmen in Bradford, where he resided for the last 50 years, and an active selectmen for the past 17 years where his town meeting attendance was nearly perfect for his entire tenure. As a town leader, he used his business talents and experience to support the town and most importantly to him, all of the town employees. John was an avid sportsmen, as well as a private pilot with a seaplane rating. He loved fly fishing, hunting and skiing almost as much as the people that he shared each of these hobbies alongside. This has become part of his legacy that lives on through his family as they continue to embrace his passions.

A memorial reception in honor of John and his legacy will be held on Friday, January 24th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the main lodge at Sunapee Mountain. All are invited to join and share their favorite memories of John.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Concord Montior on Jan. 18, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Pfeifle

38 Entries

Wanda Dwyer

February 11, 2024

John, you will be missed by all. You where a great leader and plant manager. Mel and family , sorry for your lost.

Bret Arnone

May 4, 2021

Just thinking about John tonight, what a wonderful leader, family man, and mentor...

Dave and Sue Wadleigh

April 2, 2020

Sue and I just saw that John had passed. We are devastated. We send out our sincerest condolences to Mel, Trask, Bret and Jeb, (my former student, and classmate of our son). John was the best Selectman that we've seen in 36 years in Bradford. He was so dedicated, so informed, and so capable handling some very contentious issues. He will be so sorely missed.

February 7, 2020

Dear Mel, I am so sorry that I just heard about this. I will get in touch. Sending love to you and your family. Susan E. Smith

Bob McLean

February 4, 2020

Good memories with kids playing youth hockey. Nice guy.

Sandy Alexander

January 30, 2020

My sincere condolences to John's family. Some of my best school day memories are trips to Sugarloaf and
skiing with John and others when we weren't washing dishes at the family inn. And now may all your groomers be smooth, the bumps soft and the powder runs untracked.

Mike Gagnon

January 28, 2020

I was sad to hear the news today of Johns passing. My thoughts and prayers are with The family, he was a great guy

Karl Swanson

January 28, 2020

I only met John recently when he contacted my company about a very interesting business idea. His enthusiasm was contagious and I was sincerely looking forward to working together. My sympathies to your family.

Katy Keith

January 26, 2020

Mel, Trask, Bret, and Jeb, I am so sorry to hear about John! I wish I had learned of his passing earlier than I did I would have attended the event honoring his life!! If I can do anything please let me know! I love u all and I am Terribly sad about johns death!!

Nancy Desmarais

January 25, 2020

My Condolences to the Family!

Gordy Meier

January 24, 2020

I was deeply saddened at the news of Johns passing. John was great friend and business associate for me and General Mills for many years . His free spirit and friendship will never be forgotten. The world is truly better because 0f John.

John Grathwohl

January 24, 2020

I was deeply saddened to hear of John's passing. He was a great colleague, boss and mentor but more importantly I found him to be one of the most genuine souls I have ever known. My memories of time spent with John are some of my fondest.

My sympathy to Mel and family during this difficult time.

Tim & Joan Young

January 24, 2020

Mel and family so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy and caring thoughts go out to you and your family

January 23, 2020

We are Deeply sorry for the families loss. Our sympathies to you all .

Robert & Cindy Gelinas

Jon and Marilyn Barselle

January 23, 2020

Dear Mel and family,
So sorry to hear about John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family. John certainly was an outgoing, kind and helping man.
Sincerely,
Jon and Marilyn Barselle

Tony & Kris Belanger

January 22, 2020

John led an amazing life that we all were gifted to be a part of. His persona reminds us of the Hunter Thompson quote Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, Wow what a ride! John you will be greatly missed but always remembered for all that you brought to the table.

Jim Jackmore

January 22, 2020

I was saddened to hear of John's passing and extend my deepest sympathies to his family. I remember our hours in the car visiting customer's in Minnesota and having some great discussions with him. It was always so interesting to talk with him and watch him in action, a true original.

Noemi Ottowitz

Sent Flowers

TINA BERIO

January 21, 2020

Mel and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.

The Spirited Grace Lily Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

January 20, 2020

Deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. Love and prayers to all the family. Trask, so grateful to have met your Dad - always appreciated speaking with him at your house.

Julie Burton

January 20, 2020

Brett and Jeb, thinking of you both during this difficult time. I am very sorry for your loss. It's quite a tribute that you followed in his footsteps and I am sure that must have been so special to him.

Terry Stratton

January 20, 2020

My condolences to Johns family. He was a wonderful person and very supportive to me personally during my years at Universal & Graphic Packaging. He will be missed.

Peter Lokar

January 20, 2020

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the Pfeifle family. John was a great boss, mentor and friend. His "yankee pragmatism" was truly unique and motivating.

Stephen Van Dyke

January 20, 2020

As the young group at UPC we worked hard and played hard! Fife you gave us all a lot of smiles , good times and fond memories!
Keep soaring above those mountains!

Kerry Behrens

January 20, 2020

My heart goes out to Mel and family, John was a wonderful father husband and friend. Sending Love.

Robbie Pound

January 19, 2020

Fife as you look down on us earth based hunters may your days be filled daily limits. Much love to your family. Sincerely Robbie Pound

Marjorie Beaulieu

January 19, 2020

So saddened to hear of John's passing. He positively influenced many during his years. He will surely be missed.
My fond regards to Mel, Jeb, Trask, Bret and the rest of his family.

James Hare

January 18, 2020

Very sorry to hear of Johns passing. Sympathies to his wife and family. In his business life, John not only mentored those who worked under him, but those sales reps who called on him. He was always fair and loyal to those suppliers he deemed worthy, and I will miss his calls with another big tonnage packaging opportunity. I will also long remember the professional friendship we had. He taught me a lot about the packaging business, but even more about living ones life with purpose and high moral character. The packaging world has lost one of its greats.

Leisa Scribner

January 18, 2020

My sympathy to the entire family. John was a kind man that inspired many individuals.

Robert Bradford

January 18, 2020

so sorry to here of Johns passing,he was one of the best people i ever worked for at u.p.c. for 20 years will not forget his smile and handshake,wishing Mel and all of Johns family the best,will miss him very much.

Jake Delby

January 18, 2020

I worked with John at Universal Packaging for many years until my retirement in 1994. John was a great person, and he will be missed.

Pat Dearborn

January 18, 2020

Hard to comprehend that a vibrant, enthusiastic, personable John Pfeifle has passed. Will fondly remember your smile, loyalty, consideration, and professionalism. Rest in Peace, John.

Robert Kasper

January 18, 2020

John was a man with morals and principals that would not be compromised, truly a man for all seasons. I feel very blessed to have known and worked with John.

Richard & Sheila Moore

January 18, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jack Hutton

January 18, 2020

John was one of the brightest, energetic, and motivated people I have ever had the privilege ti know and work with. He was a very special man.

Churchill Heselton

January 18, 2020

I am sorry about John he will be missed ,He was a good friend and great person.

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