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Frank Alva Pfyl

Frank Alva Pfyl

June 6, 1918 – May 14, 2008

Frank Alva Pfyl was born on June 6, 1918 in Oakland, Calif. He graduated from Stanford University with a BA in history and an MS in Aeronautical Engineering.



Frank served in World War II in the South Pacific where he completed over 52 bombing missions and was awarded the Army Air Forces’ highest medals of honor.

Frank had a 30-year career at NASA, working at Ames Research Center at Moffett Field. During this time he continued a life-long interest in community service and sports. He was instrumental in providing Little League, Babe Ruth League and the Joe DiMaggio League to young baseball players in the Palo Alto area.



Upon retiring from NASA, Frank moved to South Lake Tahoe with his wife, Mary.

Frank continued his community service activities as an active, lifetime member of the South Lake Tahoe SIRS. Frank was always happiest, however, in his outdoor kitchen where he barbequed and entertained his extensive family and many friends.

Frank was fun-loving, tolerant and giving. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and friend. He never failed to mentor others, encouraging them to be happy and to do their best. This is perhaps his most important legacy.

He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Monte Charles Pfyl II, and his daughter Sandra Pfyl Zimmerman. He is survived by his cherished wife Mary Valentine Pfyl, daughters Tere Pfyl James and Gabriele Ondine, sons Scott Pfyl, Monte Pfyl III, Dennis Pfyl and 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

A memorial will be held for friends and family at the Edgewood Resort in South Lake Tahoe at 12 pm June 14, 2008. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hospice at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Palo Alto or to the Hospice at Barton Memorial Hospital in South Lake Tahoe.


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