Harry J. Pfister, 1934-2026

Harry James Pfister, recognized industrywide as a founding father of the structured cabling profession, passed away on January 24, 2026 at the age of 91. Pfister passed away at a rehabilitation facility in Inverness, Florida, near his hometown of Hernando. Prior to moving to Hernando, Pfister lived in St. Petersburg for several decades. He is survived by his wife Winifred (“Winnie” as she is affectionately known to many); son Wade Pfister and daughter Lorena Walton; grandchildren Larissa, Lynette, Chay, and Craig; and great-grandson Alex.

You can read a complete obituary here.

Pfister’s influence on, and contributions to, the cabling and information and communications technology (ICT) industries are so significant that the annual award for “lifetime achievement” in the profession is named after him. Each year BICSI bestows the Harry J. Pfister Award for Excellence in the Telecommunications Industry. The award is bestowed upon an individual for either a lifetime of achievement, or for a singular significant accomplishment by an individual.

BICSI explains, “The Harry J. Pfister Award is a testament to lifelong excellence and much like its namesake, it stands as a symbol of enduring achievement and inspiration in the telecommunications industry.”

Many trace the historical birth of the structured cabling industry back to the Bel System breakup of 1984. As a practical matter it dates back years before that, when building industry consultants (BICs) designed the inside wiring for Bell system telephone service. In 1972, Pfister played an instrumental role in planning and carrying out the BICS (Building Industry Consulting Service) winter communications conference, in collaboration with the University of Florida and General Telephone Company of Florida—Pfister’s employer at the time. The following year he was one of the founding members of the BICSI organization. In 1982 USF presented an award to Pfister for 10 years of excellence in service to the university and to the communications industry. It simultaneously established the Harry J. Pfister Award.

Pfister served as BICSI President from 1982 to 1983.

In a tribute to Pfister on the occasion of his passing, BICSI states, “Harry’s imprint on our profession is profound,” crediting him with “shaping the early direction of our association.” BICSI continues, “Harry’s enduring influence within BICSI and the wider ICT industry is honored each year through the Harry J. Pfister Award for Excellence in the Telecommunications Industry … This distinguished award celebrates individuals whose exceptional contributions advance the profession’s technical, educational, and professional development, embodying the standard of excellence Harry championed throughout his life … As we reflect on Harry’s life, we honor a pioneer whose leadership helped chart the course for BICSI and whose legacy continues to shape the ICT community worldwide.”

After his retirement from the telecommunications profession, he remained active in the Tampa area through volunteer work with the Rotary Club, Allendale United Methodist Church, Meals on Wheels, and the St. Petersburg Police Department.

A military graveside service will take place Tuesday, February 17 at 11:30am at the Florida National Cemetery. Pfister was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard.