Richard Thomas Pfaffenberger

Dick was born on October 17th 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a beloved son to Elmer and Rose Pfaffenberger, and survived by sister Nancy Benetreu Kruit and brother Dr. William Pfaffenberger and their families. When he was a boy, the family moved to southern California where he began an extensive legacy that continues to this day in Texas.

He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA, and was a lifelong devoted engineer and Bruin. After serving as a Lieutenant Jr. Grade in the Navy on the USS Wisconsin and in Kodiak, Alaska, he met and married the love of his life, Kathleen “Kit” Walsh, in San Francisco on July 7, 1962. He and Kit had five children in 9 years after moving to southern California, and the days were filled with homework and school events, baseball games, and weekend trips to the beach or the mountains. In 1978, Dick moved the family to Texas.

Dick was a gregarious man with an infectious laugh and many passions. In addition to being Husband, Dad and Papa, he loved music, coaching, being Catholic, camping, and being with his family. Dick loved sports, especially if one of his children or grandchildren was playing. He was proud of an engineering career that included 4 US Patents and running his own business for many years, and valued a strong work ethic that has been passed down to the family; but most of all he loved when he was with family - laughing, talking, swimming, singing.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved Kit. He is survived by their five children – Paul Thomas, Michael Joseph, John Richard, Kathryn Ann Gilbert, and Steven Patrick - and their spouses and children and grandchildren. The family’s love of Papa is shown by grandchildren travelling from New Mexico, Arizona, Illinois and North Dakota to celebrate his life.

A rosary service and light reception for Richard will be held Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Rhoton Funeral Home, 1511 South Interstate 35e, Carrollton, TX 75006. A memorial mass will occur Friday, January 27, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 2800 Valwood Parkway, Farmers Branch, TX 75234.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.RhotonFuneralHome.com for the Pfaffenberger family.