Douglas Allen Pfister, better referred to as Dougie or Dougie Pfresh by his closest friends and loved ones, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 in his Livingston home. His home was very special to him and his family, being built by his great grandfather in 1929.
Doug was born in Newark, New Jersey, grew up in West Caldwell, New Jersey, and attended James Caldwell High School and Albright College. He married the love of his life, Mary Theresa Hyde, in 1989 and celebrated 34 years of marriage. In 1989, they moved together into his great-grandfather’s Livingston home after marriage.
He worked for State Farm Insurance for over 25 years, including opening his very own agency in West Caldwell, New Jersey. In his spare time, he thoroughly enjoyed woodworking, gardening, landscaping, and tending to his impressive freshwater aquarium.
Trips to the beach were his favorite ways to escape the hustle and bustle of New Jersey, both Normandy Beach in New Jersey, then later, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, Delaware.
He was a particularly avid and savvy shopper, scoring many deals at the outlets, Amazon, and of course, CVS.
He was a true animal lover, and they loved him even more, earning him the nickname of Doctor Dougie Doolittle. His pet cockatiel bird, Jacqueline, who was enamored with Doug, could detect his presence while he was over a block away, alerting the entire household with joyous squawks. His family is grateful he will be reunited with Jacqueline, and with his favorite dogs, Sammi, Ali, and Didi, who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Above all, he treasured the time spent with his family, especially his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, siblings- in-law, nieces and nephews.
He was pre-deceased by his parents, Allen and Nancy Pfister; his father-in-law, William J. Hyde; and his recently departed motherin- law, Celia Hyde. Even in Celia’s very late years, it was Doug who always brought a smile of recognition and joy to her face.
Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Mary T. Pfister; his devoted daughters, Erin Bendler and her husband, George, and Morgan Reese and her husband, Adam; his dear sister-in-law, Kathy Walsh and her husband, Mike, and their children, Michael, Christine and Hannah; his dog, Sparky; and countless extended relatives and lifelong friends.
He was laid peacefully to rest on October 30 at Gate of Heaven in East Hanover.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to National Scleroderma Foundation and Sammy’s Hope Animal Shelter, where his family rescued and fell in love with his cherished Sammi.
