William John Pfaffenberger

William (Bill) J. Pfaffenberger, 91, passed away on December 20, 2025. Bill was born March 27, 1934, in Detroit, MI, to Clarence and Marjorie (Eder) Pfaffenberger. His early years were spent in Bloomfield Village, MI, where Bill graduated from Little Flower High School. After the death of his father in 1950, Bill moved to south Florida with his mother and brothers. He enrolled at the University of Miami, where he received his undergraduate degree in Accounting and Pre-law. He continued on to receive his law degree from the Univ. of Miami.

After serving three years in the U.S. Army and then in the Army Reserve, Bill joined the south Florida firm of Cromwell Remson and Johnson, beginning a distinguished law career of over 50 years in Palm Beach County with a specialty in trusts and estates. When Bill became a partner, the firm name was changed to Cromwell Remson and Pfaffenberger, and finally to Hale Shaw and Pfaffenberger. Bill was proud to have served as a Juno Beach municipal judge from 1964-1973. During his career, Bill was also president of the Children’s Home Society of Florida and a member of the Lions Club.

Bill was the beloved husband of Jane Clifton Pfaffenberger, and devoted father to his children, son John Paul (J.P.) Pfaffenberger and daughter Jill Pfaffenberger Rafferty (Bill). He is also survived by stepson Eric Clifton Williams (Megan) and stepdaughter Shannon Williams Andrews (David); granddaughter Jazzman Pfaffenberger (daughter of J P), and step-grandchildren August Andrews, Adele, Maren, Genevieve, and Jonah Williams; nephew Jimmy Pfaffenberger (Katie) and niece Leigh Pfaffenberger Igarashi (Robert). Bill was predeceased by his parents and brothers Clarence (Cappy), David, and Jimmy Pfaffenberger.

Bill was an avid reader, and he loved to travel, taking many wonderful trips with Jane over the years. He loved antique automobiles and owned several special cars over the years, including a Model A, several Willys Jeepsters, and his favorite, a shiny black Packard. Bill could talk all day about old cars and took delight in pointing out the year of any antique car he saw! In his later years, Bill loved reading his books, looking out at the boats in the marina, and spending time with his children. He truly loved telling stories about his youth in Michigan, his long career as an attorney and a municipal judge, or chuckling about his Univ. of Miami days and the antics of his dear friend, Carl.

A celebration of life for Bill is pending. In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to the Children’s Home Society of Florida or to the charity of their choice in his memory. Online tributes may be made through Howard-Quatterbalm Funeral Home.