Anthony Pfeiffer

Mr. Anthony John Pfeiffer, age 62, of Jefferson Park in Chicago, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday evening, May 21, 2025, just outside of his residence. He was born October 12, 1962, in Chicago, Cook County, the devoted son of the late Lawrence Sr. and Phyllis Pfeiffer (nee. Matusiewicz).

Anthony is survived by his wife, Beth (nee. Cerniglia), their daughter, Grace, his brothers Larry Jr. and John Pfeiffer (Kelly), his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. And he would want us to mention his fur babies too: Layla, Toby and Biscuit. He also leaves many other friends that are like family and even acquaintances who will truly miss him. Anthony will be remembered for his generosity and his habit of spreading love and kindness to everyone that he met.

He started his formal education in a Catholic elementary school and then attended Beaubien Elementary School near his family’s home (the same CPS school that his daughter, Grace, would go on to attend due to their gifted program). He graduated from Gordon Technical High School in 1980. He was always a hard worker and held a variety of odd jobs from an early age on. He was formally trained for his career at the Tool and Die Institute. He was very proud to work in the industry and give his time and talents to several companies over the years (White Cap, CEF, Silgan). Later in his career, he worked on an Associates Degree at Oakton Community College. He loved mentoring those entering the field and teaching other coworkers what he knew. He was chosen by his company to travel abroad several times to problem solve and to train others. He was very proud to hold several U.S. patents for improvements that he created, including safer lids for baby food, pickles, and other food and beverage products. He was also active in his union, the Steelworkers. He worked diligently on contract negotiations, advocated for other workers, and enforced contract language.

Anthony was part of a large and loving extended family. He and his family really knew how to have fun and enjoy one another, as well as how to support and rally around each other in challenging times. He enjoyed his time with all of them and especially loved playing with his young cousins, plus nieces and nephews and watching them grow up.

He started his own family when he and Beth were married on Sweetest Day in 1999. His daughter, Grace, was born in 2004. He was a devoted, hands-on, loving father, from the frequent changing of diapers to his recent furnishing of his daughter’s apartment in Iowa for her internship. His wife also credits him for her successful career change because he actively encouraged her to apply for a job at National-Louis University and was extremely supportive as she pursued her teaching certifications and doctoral degree.

He was a parishioner of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish and a supporter of Eden United Church of Christ. He had many interests and hobbies. He enjoyed fishing, having a fishtank, gardening, antiquing, cooking, baking, playing Lotto, being a “rock hound,” wood working, trying new restaurants, taking road trips, spoiling his dogs, and being a fan of Chicago sports teams (Go Bears!). He was involved in a variety of formal volunteer work over the years such as his fundraising efforts with the Knights of Columbus for our parish SPRED group. He had a life of service and helped people in the community whenever he encountered their needs. To the very end, being true to form, he instructed that as much of his body be donated to help other patients.

The wake for Anthony will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, June 06, 2025, at the Colonial Wojciechowski Funeral Home 6250 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Mary Undoer of Knots, St. Robert of Bellarmine Campus, Saturday, June 07, 2025. Also, for those that are unable to join in person for the funeral mass, a livestream through Zoom will be a virtual option to join in at 10:00 a.m. via this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3123920878

Note from his wife: There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to our neighbors who were there for us on the night of his passing and to our family members and friends that have supported us ever since. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Anthony and for us. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org