Joseph Karl Pfaff
Ryerson Rams Hockey 1970-71, 72-73
May 27, 1947 – January 23, 2026
From Joe’s wife, Patty Rice,
Below was penned by his Hockey Rebel Team ….
It is with a great deal of sadness I must inform you that Joe passed away today – January 23, 2026. Joe was not only an original REBEL but he was actually one of the founders who helped build the team over our 50 Year Dynasty. Playing for the Rebels he masterfully patrolled our defence over the years. He was a great teammate and a big part of the Rebel family. Joe had a distinguished career as admissions officer at Ryerson University. Joe was great a hockey player for both Ryerson and the Rebel hockey team. Joe was also a fabulous baseball player. He had a tryout with the Kansas City Royals …. Pretty good for a Canadian kid back in the 60’s. He married Patty Rice and along with their son Jimmy and Jimmy’s two sons, Clayton, age 7 and Lorne, age 5 became a big part of the Rebel family.
None of us will forget his athletic ability, his sense of humour, his hijinks and his great, loyal and devoted friendship.
The 1971-72 Ryerson Rams Hockey Team Photo
Those who played with Joe in the early 70’s and those of us who arrived at Ryerson in the late 70’s, 80’s and 90’s remember Joe fondly as a great teammate and a great contact to have in the administrative office on campus.
He was always very helpful with it came to navigating the red tape when it came to dealing with admissions, course and exam scheduling when it came to student athletes.
“Go see Joe Pfaff” was a common phrase uttered to many athletes by varsity coaches over the years.
In more recent years, Joe assisted with the RRHA Golf Tournament and the Annual Alumni Games.
We extend our sincere condolences to the Joe’s family and cherished friends.
The Entire RRHA Communinty
Obituary
In Loving Memory of Joseph Pfaff
With profound sadness, we say goodbye to Joseph (Joe) Karl Pfaff (Unionville, ON) who departed this world peacefully on January 23rd, 2026, at the age of 79. It is with heavy hearts his wife Patty (nee Rice) and son Jimmy say goodbye. Poppa will be forever missed by his grandson’s Clayton & Lorne Rice and their mother Paige Rose.
Born in Matzelsdorf, Austria on May 27th 1947, he immigrated to Canada with his parents and brothers in April 1951. He was predeceased by his parents Magdalena and Frank, brothers Frank and John. Joe will be missed by his Mother-in-law Mary Rice, his brother in laws, sister in laws and many nieces, and nephews. Joe will be remembered as kind-hearted, and always ready with a joke to make you smile.
An avid golfer, Joe loved sports of any type – even if all he could find to watch was a rerun of an old hockey, baseball or football game! Joe played baseball in 1967 in Waterloo, Iowa for Kansas City Royals farm team. For over 50 years Joe shared his love of all thing’s hockey, with his lifelong friends on the “Rebels” hockey team.
Joe spent many years working at Ryerson in the Admissions Department, where he guided many young students through the admissions’ process, stressing the importance of education.
Family and friends will be welcomed at the Marshall Funeral Home (10366 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON L4C3B8), on Friday January 30th with a visitation from 11:00 am-1:00 pm followed by a Chapel service.
A private Interment will take place at a later date.
Thank you to the ICU staff at Humber River Hospital for the wonderful care Joe received.