JACKSONVILLE, FLA. – Richard Alonzo Pfuntner, 89, died Friday, March 18, 2005, at Baptist Hospital South in Jacksonville, Fla. He was born in Brownville, the son of Alonzo W. Pfuntner and Mima Berry. Mr. Pfuntner graduated from high school in Guilford and the University of Maine in Orono. An electrical engineer for General Electric in Schenectady, N.Y., West Lynn and Wilmington, Mass. for 40 years, he published several technical papers and was the recipient of the GE Coffin Award and numerous patents. A member of the GE Elfin Society and Masons, he was also the past patron of the Tontoquon Chapter No. 100 in Saugus, Mass. and a dual member of Ruth Chapter No. 14 in Springvale. He served on the board of trustees at Cliftondale Methodist Church in Saugus, Mass. and in recent years was an active member of Edgewater United Methodist Church, Edgewater, Fla. Receiving his Eagle Scout badge in high school, Mr. Pfuntner later served as scoutmaster in Saugus, Mass. He was also an advisor for Rainbow Girls and Junior Achievement, president of the Acton-Shapleigh Historical Society in Maine, and donated more than 3,000 volunteer hours at Bert Fish Medical Center in New Smyrna, Fla. He was also a volunteer leader and instructor for the Florida Power Squadron. Mr. Pfuntner enjoyed amateur radio, inventing, camping, fishing, reading and traveling. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Harriet Barrett Pfuntner; two daughters, Judith, wife of Darel C. Nowers of Leicester, Mass. and Sharon, wife of Ronald L. Peters of Jacksonville, Fla. He also leaves six grandchildren, Daryl Ann, Dale and wife, Laurie, Michelle and David Nowers, Julie Robinson and husband, John and Chad Peters; plus seven great-grandchildren, Brandan Thayer, Haley Nowers, Joseph and Benjamin Cormier and Katherine, Aaron and William Robinson. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at the Edgewater United Methodist Church, 211 North Ridgewood Avenue, Edgewater, Fla. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Edgewater UMC or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Mandarin Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223.
RICHARD ALONZO PFUNTNER
