Joseph Paride Pfaff

In between bites of lasagna and in the midst of telling stories to adoring family members, Joseph Paride Pfaff, “Joe,” age 74, passed away painlessly on May 17, 2026 in Oak Island, NC, from a sudden cardiac arrest, after a battle with cancer that was marked by courage, dignity, optimism, and humor. He leaves behind a group of family and friends who loved him deeply.

Joe was born in Paterson, NJ to Myrene and Joseph Edgar Pfaff, joining his beloved sister, Nancy Pfaff, to make a happy family of four in Allendale, NJ, with wonderful neighbors (the Blaikies) and so many dear lifelong friends. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Biology from Georgetown University and went on to have a long career in the hospitality industry, developing strong relationships with anyone who crossed paths with him.

He met his future wife, Dorothy (Dottie), while working in Stamford, CT, and together, they moved to Westchester, NY where they began their 48 years of beautiful married life together. In 1984, they moved to the East End of Long Island for a new adventure. During his career, Joe managed several restaurants, co-owned a flower shop with Dottie, served as manager of North Fork Country Club, and finally, served as general manager of Laurel Links Country Club. After settling in Long Island, he welcomed two wonderful children, Danielle and Joseph, developed an incredible group of friends, and contributed to his community, especially as a soccer coach and member of the North Fork Soccer Club.

In 2020, Joe and Dottie retired to Southport, NC, spending time by the ocean, hanging out with the Griffs, and building relationships with incredibly welcoming neighbors who became close friends. Joe was overjoyed when Danielle and Joseph relocated to North Carolina in 2023 to make new memories as a family.

Joe was deeply loved by all who knew him for his generosity, his huge heart, his work ethic, his spreadsheets, and his love of music, cars (especially corvettes), animals, tennis, golf, and food. He was an excellent storyteller - it is impossible to capture the multitude of life experiences he was able to put into words – to this day, all who met him still remember his stories.

While always a “happy guy” (in his own words), Joe brought unshakeable optimism and occasional dark humor to his cancer diagnoses, inspiring those around him. Though his initial plans for retirement were thwarted by his health, he still found so many ways to enjoy life – staying connected with friends, taking short road trips with Dottie, experimenting with intricate recipes, and grandparenting Joseph’s rescue dog, Byrd.

Joe was fiercely devoted to his wife and children and worked hard to give them a wonderful life. While Joe and Dottie would lovingly joke about “the void” that would come when he left this world, the void feels enormous as we have all lost a bright and kind soul who will be forever missed.

In addition to Dottie, Danielle, and Joseph, he is survived by his nieces, Mara (Guy) DeWitte, Megan Murtha, Rachel and Sarah Pangia, and Samantha (Clint) Heichel; his grandniece, Mary Murtha; and his two sisters-in-law, Ruth Edwards and Deborah Pangia; along with so many loving friends who feel like family.

Celebrations of life will be held both in Southport, NC and on the East End of Long Island, NY over the summer. More details will be shared once finalized.

The family is deeply grateful for the generous outreach from so many who loved Joe. Should you wish to honor his memory, please consider making a donation in Joe’s name to the Freedom Bridge Animal Rescue (Wilmington, NC) or to the American Cancer Society.

Finally, an enormous thank you to Joe’s tireless physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers who helped him to live as fully and long as he could. And, sincere gratitude to the first responders from the Oak Island Fire and Police Departments and Brunswick County EMS for their professionalism and compassion during a difficult situation.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.