John A. Pfaltzgraff

John Andrew Pfaltzgraff

November 1, 1936 - October 12, 2014

Chapel Hill

John Andrew Pfaltzgraff, UNC math professor emeritus and longtime resident of Chapel Hill was born in Huntingdon, PA on the first day of November, 1936, a day he loved to remind his family is "All Saints Day." He died peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2014 with the love of his life and best friend, Nancy, by his side. John was the only child of the late Walter Pfaltzgraff, descendant of George Pfaltzgraff of the York, PA Pfaltzgraff pottery family and Ellen Oppedahl Pfaltzgraff descendant of Norwegian farmers of Fertile, Iowa. During his childhood he lived in York, Detroit, Dayton and Louisville where he spent a memorable senior year at Eastern High School (1954.) John along with his Eastern High best friend, the late John E. Suich, attended Harvard University (AB Physic s 1958). John earned his M.A. (1961) and PhD (1963) both in mathematics at the University of Kentucky under Professor W.C. Royster. Dr. Pfaltzgraff served as an assistant professor at the University of Kansas (1963-65) and a visiting assistant professor at Indiana University (1965-67.) In 1967 the Pfaltzgraff family of five moved to Chapel Hill where John began his career with UNC as an assistant math professor. His career with the UNC Mathematics Department spanned 40 years (1967-2007.) He became a full professor of mathematics (1974) and served as the chairman of the Mathematics Department for 9 years (1984-1993.) John loved socializing and working with math and applied math students and colleagues. He was a proud advisor to many PhD students and followed their careers and lives beyond UNC. Among John's greatest life passions was conducting his mathematical research. He thrived in the quiet of his downstairs study late at night, the deck of his home in the North Carolina mountains and the many secluded spots he would find to contemplate and compose his quantitative thoughts. Outside of math John loved spending time in the great outdoors and watching his children and grandchildren participate in their many activities. John was an Eagle Scout which carried into his adulthood as he camped, fished, boated and hiked with family and friends. In the 1970 through 80's he supported the Chapel Hill Swim Club serving as the club president for two years. He was a member of the University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years who he met in graduate school at U. Kentucky, Nancy Parr Pfaltzgraff, his three children and spouses: Mark Pfaltzgraff (Milwaukee), Kathryn and William H. McAllister IV (Newport News, VA), James and Jennifer Pfaltzgraff (Raleigh), and five grandchildren: Cole Wilkins Pfaltzgraff, Miles and Lewis McAllister, Madeleine and Ethan Pfaltzgraff; other family include Cole's mother, Tracy Wilkins (Milwaukee); in-laws: Ralph C. and Carolyn Parr Goldsberry(Lafayette, IN) and nephews and nieces: Kip Goldsberry(Longmont, CO), Steven Goldsberry (Indianapolis), Deborah Sudbeck (Longmont, CO) and Katherine Parr (Boston.)

On Friday, October 17, 2014 a memorial service will be held at 3pm at the University Presbyterian Church, 209 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill.

In lieu of flowers charitable donations may be made in his honor: Dr. John A. Pfaltzgraff Memorial Fund For Excellence in the Department of Mathematics; checks should be marked with the fund name in the memo line and made payable to The Arts and Sciences Foundation, 134 E. Franklin Street., Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Charitable Donations may also be made to the University Presbyterian Church "Faith Forward Capital Campaign," P.O. Box 509, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Arrangements are entrusted to Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, Durham. Online condolences at www.hallwynne.com