Dr. William Pfeffer

Dr. William Pfeffer, Jr. of Randolph, NH, died September 25, 2011. Born April 25, 1921 to William Pfeffer, Sr. and Dorothy (Thomas) Pfeffer in Millburn, NJ, Dr. Pfeffer married Jean Wilkinson in 1943. He was a graduate of Millburn High School, Columbia University (42) and Harvard Medical School (44) and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society in 1944. While in medical school he served in the US Army and then completed his internship and residency at Childrens Hospital, Boston, MA. Dr. Pfeffer was one of the early practicing authorities in pediatric exchange transfusions and one of the first to recognize maple syrup urine disease, a genetic metabolic disorder. He went into private practice as a pediatrician in Wellesley, MA in 1952, caring for patients from infancy into their young adult years. For over 30 years he was the consulting pediatrician to the Childrens Mission (Parents and Childrens Services), where he provided care to children at risk. In 1985 Bill and Jean retired to their long-time summer home in Randolph, NH. Here he participated in the community in a variety of ways, serving on the board of the Randolph Mountain Club, as President of the Board of the Mt. Crescent Water Company and photographically documenting the lives and events of fellow Randolphians. Following Jeans death, Dr. Pfeffer married Angela Chakalis in 2001. With Angela, Bill continued to have an active role in the Randolph community. A man of many talents, Dr. Pfeffer was a skilled photographer, watercolor artist, writer, and musician. For more than 60 years he created the Pfeffers' Christmas cards using original block prints and photographs; he was also a woodworker, and built his own Zuckerman harpsichord. In 1999 he founded the Randolph Art Show and served as curator and organizer for eleven years; in July 2011, the community honored Bill for this contribution to Randolph traditions. Dr. Pfeffer is survived by his wife Angela Chakalis-Pfeffer, son Dr.William Tad Pfeffer (Dr. Anne) of Nederland, CO, and daughter Jane (Mrs. George) Jerry of Highlands, NC; grandchildren William Bernard Pfeffer and Jenny Elizabeth Pfeffer; niece Debby Hoyt and grandniece Meghann Hoyt. The family is deeply grateful for the loving care Dr. Pfeffer received from Dr. John McDowell and the staff of the Coos County Family Health Services, the North Country Angels, and the Androscoggin Valley Hospital Home Health and Hospice. A Memorial Service will be held in the summer of 2012. In lieu of flowers Dr. Pfeffers family suggests that contributions be sent to the Benevolence Fund, Randolph Church, c/o Mrs. Mark Kelley, 98 Randolph Hill Road, Randolph, New Hampshire 03593. The Bryant Funeral Home, Gorham, NH is in charge of the arrangements.