Jeffery Mark Pfister's Obituary
Jeffery Mark Pfister, 71, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Tavares, Florida, on May 28, 2025. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Jeff lived a life marked by faith, dedication, and compassion.
Born on October 31, 1953, Jeff was a proud native of Lake County. He graduated from Leesburg High School with the Class of 1971 and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana in 1975. His pursuit of knowledge and justice led him back to Florida, where he attended Florida State University Law School.
True to his determined spirit, Jeff completed nine consecutive semesters and earned his law degree ahead of schedule in 1977. After graduation, Jeff was admitted to the Florida Bar upon completion of the Bar Exam in February of 1978; passing the strenuous exam on his first attempt. He soon after began working in the State Attorney's Office for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida commencing August 1, 1978.
In 1985, he resigned from the state to open up his own private practice and was included in the first group of Board-Certified Criminal Trial Attorneys in the State of Florida, where he remained working until the day he passed. In 2023, Jeff was honorably inducted into the Lake County Schools Alumni Hall of Fame, celebrating not only his professional achievements, but also the positive impact he has had within our community.
Jeff was a man who believed deeply in purpose and service. The Bible speaks of work as a way to glorify God, and Jeff took that to heart. "You have to love what you do," he often said-and he did, every single day. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, guiding his steps and shaping his service to others.
He shared his gifts generously: spending 27 years teaching third grade Sunday School at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Mount Dora, serving as a lector at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Leesburg for over 30 years, and ministering to inmates at FCC Coleman through his work as a Federal Prison Minister.
Through all of this, he embodied patience, kindness, and humility. We could go on and on about his professional accomplishments and service to others, but above all, he cherished his family. In 1991, Jeff was introduced to Lori by a mutual friend, Gordon Oldham III. On March 4, 1992, they married and spent their 33 years of marriage raising a large family.
Jeff is survived by his devoted wife, Lori A. Pfister, and his cherished children: Jamie Jaggers, Shelly Jaggers, Tracy Blair, Leyna Jaggers, Beau (Crystal) Pfister, Georgea Anne Pfister, Terri Margaret Pfister, and Delaney (Kayla) McPfister. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Jadeyn Pfister, Ansley Martin, Taylor Blair, Genevieve Martin, Dom Blair, Josslyn Mordini, Rossi Pfister, Joanee Mordini, Reagan Martin, Dallas Jackson, Malcolm Jackson, Kilian Pfister, Rowyn Pfister, and Cooper Jeffery Soos.
Jeff also leaves behind his great-granddaughter, Eisley Parks, and soon to be born, Lilah Parks. He is also survived by his sister, Sheila (Mike) Padden; nephews Steven, Brian, and Kevin Padden; and niece Helen Padden-McLaughlin-each of whom held a special place in his heart.
Jeff's life was a testament to faith, love, and perseverance. He touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of integrity and compassion. Though he has gone to his eternal rest, his light continues to shine through the family he so dearly loved and the community he served so faithfully.
The funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 20th at 9am at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 6803 Old Hwy 441 South, Mount Dora, immediately followed by a celebration of life at Okeefe's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 115 S Rockingham Ave, Tavares.
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