Albert Henry Pflugh's Obituary
Albert Henry Pflugh “Al” died peacefully on June 26, 2012 in Annapolis, MD. The son of Johanna Kahler and Albert Pflugh, Al was born on August 7, 1914 in Hoboken, NJ. He spent his youth there where he excelled in academics and many sports. He graduated from A. J. Demarest High School in 1932. In 1940, Mr. Pflugh married Charlotte Adele Hoyt. In 1946, Mr. and Mrs. Pflugh moved to Chatham, NJ with their two daughters. A year later, a third daughter was born.
Al had a distinguished 49 year career with the chemical division of Exxon. He retired in 1984 as National Market Manager of Liquid Chemicals. He was a member of the N.Y. Paint, Varnish and Lacquer Association where he chaired the Industry Suppliers Committee – a group that worked with the U.S. Government to rewrite regulation for the sale and purchase of ethanol.
Always active in Chatham, Al was on the board of the Chatham Fish and Game Club during the time they were planning the addition of the pools. He was a member of Ogden Memorial Presbyterian Church. He was always there to jump in and lend a hand when needed by the Chatham Fire Dept or Emergency Squad. He served on the Chatham Board of Recreation from 1985 through 1993 where was Treasurer. He was the recipient of the Community Spirit Award in 1990. After the death of his wife, Charlotte, in 1971, Al turned his energy and love of sports to Chatham High School where he was recognized as “The #1 Fan.” He could be seen in the bleachers or stands – rain or shine - for every sporting event – men’s and women’s varsity and junior varsity events. He rooted for and encouraged all the young athletes and was known and loved by the players, their parents and coaches. On Cougar Day in 1992, the “Super Fan,” as he was known, was presented with a CHS letter jacket at half time during the football game. On the jacket were pins representing each of the sports played at Chatham High School. After moving to Annapolis, he had season tickets for all sports at the US Naval Academy and followed them with great interest.
Al was an avid golfer and was fortunate to play rounds at many prestigious golf courses throughout the US and Bermuda. In 1993 he fulfilled his dream of a “hole in one” at Pinch Brook Golf Club.
In 1997, Al moved from his beloved Chatham to Ginger Cove, a beautiful life care community in Annapolis, MD, near his youngest daughter, Lois. While there, he continued his volunteering ways and served on numerous committees. Many residents will tell you that the first person to greet them and make them feel welcome when they moved into Ginger Cove was Al Pflugh. His friendly, helpful nature was very much appreciated.
In addition to his wife, Charlotte, Mr. Pflugh was also predeceased by his daughter Lois in 2007, his brother Ferdinand “Duke” Pflugh and a nephew. He is survived by his daughters Joanne (Howard) Spencer of Overland Park, KS, Barbara (Richard) Simpson of Chatham, NJ; five grandchildren Steve (Chris) Karpowich of Lenexa, KS, Beth Karpowich of Denver, CO, Dave (Holly) Karpowich of Overland Park, KS, Charlotte “Carrie” (Rob) Kern of New Providence, NJ and Doug Simpson of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Burial will be private and a Memorial Service will be held Saturday August 4, 2012, 1:30pm at Friendship Hall Ginger Cove, 4000 River Crescent Drive, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.
If desired, donations in his memory may be made to Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401 or to Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Dept, 54 Fairmount Ave, Chatham, NJ 07928.
What’s your fondest memory of Albert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Albert?
Share a story where Albert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Albert you’ll never forget.
How did Albert make you smile?