Willliam "Bill" Pfann

William M. Pfann, beloved husband, father, Papa, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Vallejo, CA with his family by his side on June 10, 2026, after a 3 1/2 year battle with Lymphoma. He was 83 years old.

Born on December 16, 1942, in San Francisco, California, Bill was raised in Redwood City, where he met Patricia, the love of his life. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and shared experiences, celebrating 62 years of marriage.

Bill was a proud graduate of Serra High School in San Mateo and the University of California, Berkeley (class of ’64), where he earned a BS in Business Administration (aka Berkeley Haas School of Business), with a concentration in Accounting. He participated in the Naval ROTC program at UC Berkeley, went on to serve as a supply officer on Destroyer DD870 and while stationed at the Alameda Supply Center, went to night school to obtain his MBA at Golden Gate University.

In May 1969, after completing his service in the Navy, Bill began his professional journey with Price Waterhouse in San Francisco, working in the Assurance practice and was admitted to the partnership in 1980. His work would take him throughout the Bay Area over the next several decades. Bill was known for his professionalism, integrity, and dedication throughout his career. He valued hard work, built lasting relationships, and took pride in helping clients navigate complex challenges until his retirement in 2000. Bill then spent a year with Large Scale Biology before embracing full-time retirement and the opportunity to devote himself to family, people and pursuits he loved most.

In 2000, Bill and Pat moved to Reno where he joined the Sierra Angels, who helped providing funding and mentoring to technology companies in their early stages of development. Retirement also allowed Bill to devote more time to family. He spent countless hours traveling to watch his grandchildren compete, proudly cheering them on from the stands and celebrating their accomplishments. He and his wife were also able to fulfill a longtime dream of traveling to Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Travels also took them to the beautiful islands of Hawaii, a cruise to Alaska and many fun adventures to other US destinations.  

Bill was an avid Cal and Warriors basketball and Oakland A’s baseball fan, often traveling across the US to attend games. He loved recalling his time playing basketball for Serra High School and the Navy Supply School - able to recount scores and plays as though they happened yesterday. Bill could always be counted on to know the latest scores, follow his favorite teams, and enjoy a spirited discussion about the game. He loved spending time on the golf course and played whenever he could, continuing to enjoy the sport until he was no longer able to play.  

Bill believed strongly in giving back to his community. Over the years, he dedicated his time and service to organizations including Kiwanis, the Alzheimer's Association, and Goodwill, reflecting his commitment to helping others and making a difference in the lives of those around him. His support for the Alzheimer's Association was shaped in part by his family's personal experience with the disease. He was also a proud supporter of the Down syndrome community, inspired by his love for his granddaughter, Avery.

Above all else, Bill cherished his roles as husband, father, and Papa, uncle, cousin and friend. He was a source of strength, wisdom, and unwavering support for his family. He was known for his big heart, his strong opinions, and his unmistakable voice. Those who knew him best knew that beneath his confident exterior was a deeply caring man who loved his family fiercely and took great pride in their accomplishments.

Bill is survived by his wife, Patricia L. Pfann; his son, Jerry Pfann; his daughters, Laura Gordon and Deborah Pfann; and his beloved grandchildren, Jacob Pfann, Nick Pfann, Randy Pfann, Diana Pfann, Jasper Pfann, Avery Gordon, and Asher Gordon; his nieces and nephews Michelle Kivett, Jimmy Pfann, Stephen Pfann, Shoshie Boyer, Michael Pfann and their children. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 3, 2026, at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa.

RSVPs are kindly requested. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bill’s memory to the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Bill's legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the countless lives he touched. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.