Francis A. Pfisterer, 88, passed away on Monday, June 25, 2018 at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. Francis was born in Utica on January 27, 1930, a son of Alois and Margaret (Wagner) Pfisterer. He was raised and educated in Utica and was a 1947 graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School. Francis served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Angela V. Nole on May 12, 1956 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, Utica. For 35 years until his retirement in 1989 Francis was employed with the New York Telephone Co. He was a parishioner of St. Mark’s Church, N. Utica, serving as Past President of their Holy Name Society and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 189. Throughout his life, Fran was deeply involved in sports having played locally and professionally and later coaching for various teams in the area. His sports career started in his high school years when he played baseball and basketball at St. Francis de Sales and continued during post grad studies when he played football at UFA. In the late 1940’s, Fran played semi-pro football and at one time played professional baseball in the Washington Senator’s organization. In 1948, he founded the Knights of Columbus Suicide Basketball League. His devotion to sports continued as he played and managed baseball teams in the City of Utica MUNY League and coached for many years in Little, Pony and Adult leagues. Fran could be found at St. Francis de Sales and Utica College coaching baseball for both. His passion for sports was evident as he served as Past President of JFK’s School Sports Boosters, and as a fan was an avid follower of Notre Dame University Football and the New York Yankees. In 1998, Fran was elected to SUNY Tech’s Hall of Fame for his involvement in sports, a fitting tribute to his devotion. One of Fran’s proudest moments was in 1966 when he was awarded the Certificate of Commendation for saving a man’s life in Delphi, NY. Fran is survived by his beloved wife, Angela, his four children, Linda DeRocco and husband, Mark, of New Hartford, Richard Pfisterer and wife, Donata, of Tucson, AZ, Michael Pfisterer and wife, Tami, of New Hartford and Thomas Pfisterer and wife, Regina, of New Hartford, eight grandchildren, Rachel and Danielle DeRocco, Alix, Maximillian and Augustus Pfisterer and Elena, Thomas and Dominick Pfisterer, a sister, Sister Jane Frances Pfisterer OSF, of Syracuse, and several nieces, nephews and special friends. He was predeceased by two brothers, Albert and Alois Pfisterer Mr. Pfisterer’s funeral will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 10:00 at St. Mark’s Church, N. Utica. Burial with Military Honors will be in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica are Friday from 4-7. Those so wishing may make donations to St. Mark’s Church Memorial Fund in Fran’s memory.