Donald Michael Pfail—beloved husband and father—passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, at the age of 74.

Don was a native New Yorker, born in Ridgewood, Queens, on September 17, 1951. His parents, Donald and Frances, of German and Slovene descent, raised him alongside his two brothers, John and James.

Don embodied the American Dream through sharp intelligence, determination, and hard work. He became the first in the Pfail family to graduate from college, earning his B.B.A. from Baruch College and his M.B.A. in Accounting from St. John’s University. He went on to build a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant, eventually opening his own practice. Don earned deep respect from colleagues and his community for his expertise in finance, internal audit, and regulatory compliance.

In spring 1983, Don met the former Eileen Florek, picking her up in his baby blue Camaro for a blind date. That night, he confided in his mother that he had found his wife. When Eileen took a trip to Europe with her girlfriends, every hotel she checked into held flowers, love notes, and telegrams confessing Don’s love. They later married in 1985, filled with love and happiness for the life ahead of them. Don and Eileen raised four beautiful children—Thomas, Brian, Stephen, and Erin, with faith at the core of their family.

As the Pfails grew their young family in Floral Park, they soon called Garden City home in 1991. Don was incredibly passionate about community outreach and volunteer work. He belonged to the Garden City Men’s Association, G.C.A.A., and was treasurer of the Estates Property Owners Association, amongst many of the village’s organizations.

The intrinsically Roman Catholic values were imparted to Don through his grammar school, St. Matthias, and the prestigious Christ the King High School, where he was later inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. His innate love for Christ and the Church only grew stronger as he advanced his education at St. John’s University. Don eventually served as an Eucharistic minister at the family’s parish, St. Anne’s. His relationship with God touched every part of his life, especially his family’s.

Don instilled in his second-eldest son, Brian, a foundational devotion to the faith, particularly during Brian's formative years at Chaminade High School. Education, too, was priceless to Don and ever-valued. Stephen would later join Brian at the college preparatory school, where they developed a bond not only through brotherhood but also through the school’s motto, “Fortes in Unitate” or “Strength in Unity.” Brian would later draw on his father's commitment to Catholicism through his own struggles, eventually advocating for his beliefs in his professional career as a journalist.

Don’s youngest son, Stephen, followed in Don’s footsteps, studying accounting at the University of Scranton and working at his father’s former firm, KPMG. Whilst in college, Stephen interned at Don’s firm, KBW. Don’s example of a strong work ethic and transformational leadership led to Stephen’s success in accountancy at KPMG.

Don’s dedication was unmistakable day after day, as he boarded the LIRR at Nassau Boulevard bound for Manhattan to work and provide for his family. His work ethic wasn’t just routine; it reflected his character, reliability, and unwavering sense of responsibility.

Unforgettably, Don was a passionate sports fan—a die-hard Yankees, Rangers, and Giants fan—he generously shared that love with his children. Whenever a big sports game was on TV, Don had a habit of standing directly in front of the screen, on his high horse, proclaiming his coaching strategy would have guaranteed a team win. Some of Don’s fondest memories were within feet of the TV with all his youngsters around him.

When Don and Eileen purchased their summer home in Point Lookout, their eldest son, Tom, eyed its more careful pace as the warm beach community it was. Those summers by the ocean became some of Tom’s most cherished memories with Don. The genuine peacefulness of Point Lookout would later mirror the feeling Tom found when he stumbled upon Jupiter, Florida, a place that felt like home the moment he arrived. Just as Don discovered Point Lookout for his family, Tom found his own coastal haven years later, inspired by the life his father created.

Don’s influence manifests every day in Tom’s management career at Marriott. Tom carries the same dedication his father lived by: showing up, leading with integrity, and taking pride in his work. Don’s example resonated with Tom, who continues to craft his career in his father's footsteps.

Don’s daughter, Erin, felt the power of her father’s boundless love from an early age—from long beach walks collecting shells to backyard catches for hours under the floodlights. Each night, Erin eagerly waited for Don to come home so he could read her a bedtime story and say prayers together. As she grew older, he coached her lacrosse team, the Garden City Maroon Sweeties, a role he took on with immense pride. When Erin approached high school, Don encouraged her to attend Sacred Heart Academy, valuing its Catholic education. As her college lacrosse recruitment intensified, Don remained focused on ensuring she received a strong academic foundation. With his encouragement, Erin chose nursing at the University of Scranton, a Jesuit institution.

Don proudly celebrated her achievements as a student-athlete and her future in nursing. When Erin began her career in critical care, Don beamed with joy. As his health declined, Erin cared for him with skilled and loving hands, taking immense pride in supporting the father who had given her so much.

Don and Eileen’s devotion to one another knew no bounds, evident in their forty years of marriage. Their vows of marriage remained solid in their commitment to each other. In Don’s final years, Eileen dedicated herself wholly to his care and support. Until his last breath and ever after, their love transcends words—felt deeply, quietly, and unmistakably within the soul. 

Don faced it all, Don stood tall—and he did it his way.

Don’s gentle strength, his deep faith, his love for his family, and his quiet patriotism will stay with us always. 

Don was welcomed into heaven with loving arms by his beloved son, Stephen, who surely guided him home as their bond transcended into heaven. 

Rest in peace, Don—you earned it, and we love you.