Richard W. Pfohl

Richard W. Pfohl
November 17, 2013

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."
- Henry David Thoreau Walden

Richard "Dick" William Pfohl, 67, of Sylvan Beach, New York, passed away on November 17, 2013 at Upstate Hospital in Syracuse, New York. Dick was a lifetime resident of Syracuse and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Dick was born in Syracuse, New York on June 8, 1946. He graduated from Central Tech High School where his interest in Information Technology was cultivated. He served in the United States Marine Corps as a Corporal from 1966 through 1968 and was stationed at MCB Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California where he received the National Defense Service Medal and received his formal education in IT. He was discharged in 1968 after serving his 2 year term of enlistment and returned back home to apply his skills to the corporate world.

He began his career in Data Processing (IT) and worked within a few local organizations including Bristol Laboratories, Pneumo Services Corp., Niagara Mohawk and Carrier Corporation. Although Corporate life gave him his skills his true passion was in being an entrepreneur like his father. His father Robert A. Pfohl owned Pfohl's Tavern in Syracuse, NY and the Tuscarora Inn in Erieville, NY. Dick began his first venture with his brother Tom purchasing the Clay Hotel (Clay, NY) and also found success with his first solo venture in the purchase of Pfohl's Phoenix Tavern (Phoenix, N.Y.). In 1983 he purchased Bruno's Beachouse (formerly DiCastro's Hotel) and changed the name to Pfohl's Beachouse where he was able to cultivate his skills as a master carpenter, bring his true vision to fruition and become a supporter of live entertainment to the CNY area. In 1997 he purchased Hotel Oneida where he enjoyed year round success between the hotel and the beach house.

Dick is survived by his son Richard M. (Luz) Pfohl, of Tolland, CT; his two brothers Robert (Roseanne) Pfohl and John (Christine Carbone) Pfohl, both of Syracuse; his five grandchildren: Caleb, Aspen, Nathan, Galilee & Jacob Pfohl; his three nieces, Karen (Jim) Hart, Kathy (John) Keys and Nolita Pfohl; his two nephews Steven (Weena) Pfohl and Matthew Pfohl; and the remainder of his relatives and friends.

He is preceded by his parents, Robert A. and Shirley G. Pfohl and his brother, Thomas J. Pfohl.

He is also survived by his loving companion of 18 years, Karen Norton and her family; daughter Nicole (Anthony) Torrillo, and her grandson Dylan Keller.

Although Dick was taken too soon he lived 67 full years and should be remembered for his passions, diligence, hard-work and achievements during his entire lifetime. He enjoyed many things throughout his life and as Thoreau stated he did not keep pace with anyone else, he heard a different drummer and he followed that beat. He will also be remembered as an avid New York Yankee fan, an extreme right-wing conservative, his excitement for new technologies and gadgets, his "natural" blond hair and his sense of humor. He was never afraid to share his views on current affairs whether they were local, state or federal related. Over the years he also enjoyed travelling to and living in Florida where he dreamed of having a year round Pfohl's Beachouse.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him through the years. Although he enjoyed many things he was defined as an intelligent man who was an entrepreneur at heart. He was not simply a carpenter but a craftsman who took pride in his work. Anyone who has been to any of his establishments could see his workmanship especially Pfohl's Beachouse which became the crowning jewel of who he was.

A United States Marine Corps Memorial Service will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery in DeWitt, NY.