William Julius Pfingsten of Naples, Fla., having spent the past year in Maitland, Fla., known as 'Bill' by cherished family and friends, was born in Düsseldorf, Germany on Sept. 26, 1912. Bill passed away on Feb. 7, 2014 at the age of 101. Bill loved his family and friends. The beloved son of Wanda Pauline and Heinrich W. Pfingsten of Düsseldorf, Germany, Bill arrived in America in 1926 to live in Louisville, Ohio. Bill was married to Ann Klus on Feb. 20, 1937 in Canton, Ohio. Bill is survived by his son, William A., wife, Nancy L. Pfingsten of Maitland Fla. and his niece, Joan (Pfingsten) Johnson of Canton, Ohio. Bill is also survived by nieces, Cindy Demussie (Canton, Ohio), Rosmary Klus (Canton, Ohio), Stephinie Klus (Sarasota, Fla.), and Anthony Klus (Jacksonville, Fla.). Bill was a loving grandfather to Ian A. and great-grandfather to Bowie Pfingsten of Portland, Ore., grandfather to Matthew W. and great-grandfather to Madelyn Pfingsten, and grandfather to Bradley T. Pfingsten, both of Orlando, Fla. Bill was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years, Ann K. Pfingsten, July 1994, and his loving daughter, Linda A. Pfingsten, Dec. 2012. Bill grew up and was educated in the Louisville, Ohio school system, achieving high marks in all studies and was active in soccer. He then moved his family to East Palestine, Ohio. Bill and Ann also lived in Buffalo, N.Y., and Hagerstown, Md., where he was involved with the Masons. He then retired to Naples, Fla. Bill achieved prominence in the ceramic industry through his career and managed up to 5 facilities at one time. He was noted for achieving industry process improvements and was written up in the industry trade publications. Funeral services will be held at Rossi Funeral Home, 730 30th St. N.W., Canton, OH 44709 at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2014, Phone: 330-492-5830. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, 4414 Cleveland Ave., Canton, OH 44709, Phone: 330-499-7353. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society . The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all those who offered support and prayers for Bill these past few months.

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