Obituary of Robert W. Pfitzenmaier

CANISTEO: Robert W. “Bob”/”Pfitzy” Pfitzenmaier, 80, of 43 Chestnut Street, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021 at St. James Hospital following a brief illness. Bob was born on February 14, 1940 in Hornell, NY, to parents Albert and Mildred (Rogers) Pfitzenmaier and was an only child. Bob grew up in Canisteo, loved the outdoors and was active in sports, including baseball, basketball, and football. He graduated from Canisteo High School in 1957 and Alfred University in 1961, with a BS in Ceramic Engineering. Bob went to work as an engineer for Corning Glass Works where he met his wife, Mylie McLean, who he married in 1964. In 1967, Bob and Mylie moved from Corning to Canisteo, where Bob took ownership of his father’s Gulf service station in the village and the couple raised three children. In the 1980’s, Bob returned to Alfred University to get a Master’s Degree in Ceramic Engineering which led him back to work at Corning, Inc in Research & Development. He worked at Corning, Inc until retiring in 2001. He was awarded multiple patents related to Consumer Products and Display Technologies throughout his career at Corning. He was an active hunter, trapper, and fisherman in his youth and continued to fish and pheasant hunt throughout his life. His love for baseball kept him active in it after high school and he was a fixture in the local softball scene in Hornell and Troupsburg for decades, playing the game into his 60’s. Bob was also a devoted fan. He was always at his children’s sporting events, rarely missing a game. And as a lifelong TV sports fan, he enjoyed watching the Buffalo Bills, NASCAR racing and countless New York Yankee games, even as Baltimore Orioles fan. He also enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles. Bob and his late wife, Mylie, mostly enjoyed traveling following their retirement, which included trips to Hawaii, Alaska, the Mediterranean, and so many places in between. They were thrilled to have 7 grandchildren and spent every moment they could with them, and Bob continued to stay active in his grandchildren’s lives following Mylie’s passing. He also had a great love for animals, rarely in his life did he not have a dog or cat to keep him company. Bob was heavily active in the Canisteo Community. He was a member of Rotary, Elks, and the American Legion. He was a volunteer firefighter for decades and then served as a fire commissioner. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Canisteo and a Church Elder. Bob was also a mainstay of the local Canisteo coffee shop scene at several venues over the decades. His network of friendships, both present-day and lifelong, is extensive. His friendly and peaceful demeanor will be missed by so many whose lives he has touched. Bob is survived by two daughters: Susan (Jeffrey) Kenefick of Caton, NY and Nicole (Jeffrey) Harrington of Penfield, NY, one son: Michael of Lititz, PA, 7 grandchildren: Cassidy and Cameron Kenefick, Mason and Caden Harrington, and Lillian, Jackson, and Trent Pfitzenmaier. He was predeceased by his parents and his wife of 51 years, Mylie. The family will receive friends from noon – 2 pm Saturday, February 6 at the First Presbyterian Church in Canisteo where a memorial service will follow at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Canisteo Fire Department c/o Mike Wilson, 14 South Main St. Canisteo, NY 14823 or a charitable organization of your choice.