William Burn Pfeifer

Published 12:06 pm Wednesday, February 10, 2021

(1934 – 2021)

William (Bill) Pfeifer, age 86, of Yarmouth Port, MA passed away February 5, 2021 on Cape Cod. He was born in 1934 to Ruth (Burn) and Frank Pfeifer in Bloomfield NJ. His wife of 51 years, Sandra Waldron Pfeifer, proceeded him in death (2010).

Bill graduated from the College of William and Mary with his Masters in Education from Rutgers University. Bill began a long career in education and historical museums: Colonial Williamsburg as Director of Special Educational Projects; Headmaster of Charlotte Country Day School; Headmaster of the Derryfield School; Associate Director of Sleepy Hollow Restorations (now known as Historic Hudson Valley); President of Webb School of Knoxville; Director of Special Projects at Colonial Williamsburg.

In retirement, Bill joined the board of directors at the Dare Education Foundation Inc and served as Chairman. He loved volunteering at Kitty Hawk Elementary where he was known as Mr. Bill. In his honor, Mr. Bill’s Reading Room was established.

Throughout his life, Bill served on many boards including the East Tennessee Historical Society, YMCA in Manchester New Hampshire, YMCA in Tarrytown NY, Manchester Historical Society, Mystic Seaport along with others.

He will be remembered for being an avid reader, spending time along the ocean with family, the lifelong friendships he formed, and most notably his love for all people. He had a way of finding the best in everyone he met and making a difference in their life, whether big or small.

Bill is survived by his sister Jane Schleif; his three sons, Bradford Pfeifer and wife Laurie of Hyannis Port, MA, Eric Pfeifer and wife Christin of Kitty Hawk, NC, Andrew Pfeifer and wife Erica of Galesburg, MI; five grandchildren, Will Pfeifer, David Pfeifer, Brodie Pfeifer, Ainslie Pfeifer, William Pfeifer and three great grandchildren.

The family is planning a memorial service to be held in Williamsburg, Virginia at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to Dare Education Foundation: PO Box 959 Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 or The Bailey Milne Fund c/o Derryfield School: 2108 River Rd, Manchester NH 03104.

For online condolences, please visit www.doanebealameshyannis.com.

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