The Life of Alfred J. Pfaff

Alfred J. Pfaff, 80, a long-time resident of Bryn Mawr, died on June 4. His beloved wife, Sandra, was by his side at the time of his death.

Born and raised in Ardmore, Fred was a graduate of Haverford High School and attended the University of Connecticut. He cultivated his early interest in photography, and honed his craft so well that he received two awards from Temple University in photography.

Fred decided to enter the business world when he was offered a unique opportunity to work at what he truly loved. Fred was selected from among more than two hundred applicants to become an official photographer for RCA Corp. He spent several years in Greenland, the Marshall Islands, and at RCA Laboratories in Princeton, N.J., visually documenting RCA’s early space programs.

In 1964, Fred opened Pfaff Photography in Haverford, Pa., and Cinnaminson, N.J., yet his talent and business acumen were not limited to his art. Fred also founded a successful accounting business in Princeton, which he eventually sold.

As a photographer, Fred made photo illustrations for advertising, architecture, industrial and media publications. He was the consummate professional and in great demand to capture major life events of organizations and individuals in the Philadelphia area and especially along the Main Line. Among his many career highlights was to photograph Pope John Paul II, Bob Hope, Jayne Mansfield, Grace Kelly, Liv Ullmann and Cheryl Tiegs.

He documented the history of the American Swedish Historical Museum for more than 40 years and was the official photographer of Swedish Royalty on their many visits to the area. Fred earned several honors, including the Outstanding Fraternal Service and Achievement Award from the Royal Arcanum and the Paul Harris Award from the Ardmore Rotary Club, the highest honor presented by the club.

In addition, he taught photographic journalism at Cabrini University, Eastern University and Holy Family University. The most important event in Fred’s life was when he met and married the love of his life, Sandra Springer. Wed in 1964, Fred and Sandra were partners in marriage, in business and in life. Fred and Sandra established many relationships through the world of photography, as well as through their many social and philanthropic endeavors. Fred was a member of The Union League of Philadelphia and the Hearth Club of The Union League where he actively supported their scholarship fund programs. He also worked on the historic preservation of Strawberry Mansion and the 19th century lighthouse at Sedgeley Club, and he supported Good Citizen Day as part of The Youth Work Foundation of The Union League.

In addition to enjoying many summers in Nantucket, Mass., and Stone Harbor, N.J. Fred and Sandra traveled the world together, with Stockholm being Fred’s favorite place to visit.

He also loved rooting on his Philadelphia sports teams, particularly the Phillies, even though they often made for difficult viewing.

Fred was a devoted and loving husband, and will be deeply missed by Sandra, his extended family and his friends. Fred was predeceased by his parents, Anna (Pasceri) Pfaff and William O. Pfaff, and by his siblings, Dorothy (Pfaff) Sims, and William H. Pfaff.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sandra Springer Pfaff, and extended family Wilbert O. Springer III (Alice R.), Dorothy Springer Kleppe, Sally Springer Griffith (Donald W. Griffith, Sr.); nieces Deborah S. Gerwe, Deborah S. Belusa (Henry), and Christine Kleppe; nephews William F. Sims Jr., Thomas J. Pfaff, Wilbert O. Springer IV, Martin I. Kleppe, Jr. (Heather), Eric S. Kleppe (Jennifer) and 11 grandnieces and grandnephews.

A service of remembrance for Fred will be held at The American Swedish Historical Museum at a future date.

Donations in Fred’s memory may be made to The American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145 and The Scholarship Foundation of The Union League, 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102.