By the family

May 19, 2026: Raymond L. Pfeister, devoted husband and father, died peacefully at the age of 79. Born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, he had a distinguished career in the financial services industry spanning over four decades and was a dedicated Scoutmaster for Troop 5 in Bronxville. 

Ray grew up as an “Air Force brat”, traveling across the world while living on various bases. He spent his formative years in Germany and France, while ultimately graduating from High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ray returned to his midwestern roots for his higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in forestry and an MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He subsequently earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Finance from The City University of New York.

After graduate school, Ray embarked on a diverse career path that ultimately led him to the pinnacle of financial management. His career culminated in his role as vice chairman of Fred Alger Management, a $25 billion privately owned investment management and mutual fund firm, from which he retired in 2010.

“Building a substantial investment management firm for Fred Alger is undoubtedly my greatest professional achievement,” Ray reflected. “It was a challenging and rewarding experience that allowed me to apply all the skills and knowledge I had accumulated throughout my career.”

In parallel with his professional success, Ray made significant contributions to his community. Ray founded and built a thriving Boy Scout troop in Bronxville, nurturing many young men to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Ray prided himself not only on imbuing his charges with Scout values but also on ensuring they could build a fire under any conditions. Especially large fires became affectionately known as “Pfeister Fires”. His leadership style, which focused on teaching scouts instead of doing things for them, earned him the honorific “The General”. All scouts who know The General well fondly remember his two rules: “1. Don’t wake me and 2. Don’t get me in trouble.”

“My involvement with the Boy Scouts has been deeply fulfilling,” Ray remarked. “As an Eagle Scout myself, I understand the profound impact this achievement can have on a young person’s life. I’m immensely proud of the troop we built and the numerous Eagle Scouts we produced.”

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ray was a devoted father to two sons, Joe and John. Ray threw himself behind his sons’ passions. From being their most passionate cheerleader at wrestling tournaments to leading “high-adventure” camping trips, he was always involved without being overbearing. 

Ray was predeceased by his parents, Herman and Imogene Pfeister, and brother, Charles Pfeister. 

Ray is survived by his ex-wife, Susan Pfeister; his twin, Jo Pfeister; sons, Joseph Pfeister (Maricar Pacquing) and John Pfeister (Sarah Pfeister); and grandchildren, Jameson, Miles, Selby, Mary, and Elizabeth Pfeister.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Troop 5, or your local BSA organization.

Incoming checks should be made out to Bronxville BSA Troop 5. Zelle can be sent to Troop Treasurer Glenn Guszkowski at 646-265-8783. The mailing address is:

Robert Deichert
Scoutmaster Troop 5
331 Pondfield Road
Bronxville NY 10708