Leonardo Hans Pfaffel

Always in our Hearts, until we meet again

Obituary

Leonardo "Leo" Hans Pfaffel, a beautiful and spirited boy, passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving family on June 1, 2025, in Pittsburgh, PA. Born on February 14, 2024, Leo brought immeasurable joy and light to the lives of those who knew him during his brief but impactful time on Earth.

Leo was a sweet and curious soul who faced many challenges with remarkable resilience. Despite these obstacles, he embraced life with an infectious enthusiasm and positivity that touched everyone around him. Known as "the most cuddly guy," Leo had a knack for making everyday moments extraordinary. Whether he was playing with tools (even sharp knives), handing out random household objects like shoes or tools, or enjoying pretzels like a true German, Leo’s playful spirit and sense of wonder were unforgettable. He loved camping, swinging at the park and cherished every moment spent playing with his older sister, Lucie.

Leo is deeply missed by his devoted parents, Hilde Franklin and Sebastian Pfaffel; his adoring sister, Lucille Pfaffel; his maternal grandparents, Fran and Quentin Franklin; his paternal grandparents, Marita and Michael Kröselberg; his aunts and uncles, Jack and Addie Franklin, Georg Pfaffel and Carmina Teran; uncle Quentin Franklin; and great-grandmother Julie Cardinalli. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Hans Dieter Pfaffel. Leo was also loved and is missed by Gabriela Batista, who cared for him as his au pair.

Leo’s family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who provided care and support during his journey. Though words cannot fully capture the depth of their grief, they take comfort in imagining Leo playing freely among the heavenly clouds, free from disease and living the joyful toddler life he so deserved. They pray for his peace, joy, and eternal life until they are reunited once more.

Leo’s memory will forever remain a source of love and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know him. May his spirit continue to bring comfort to those who hold him in their hearts. 

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Clinic for Special Children in memory of Leo Pfaffel.

Donate

We invite everyone who wishes, to directly support the Clinic for Special Children and their important work to help children with rare genetic diseases. The Clinic for Special Children helps kids with MSUD, the rare genetic disorder Leo faced. We hope that their research will eventually find a cure for this disease. Donations can be dedicated in memory of Leo Pfaffel.

Eulogy

The following is the eulogy written and read by Leo’s mother during the memorial service:

The loss of a child is something I could never have prepared for.
Leo, even during the last month of your life, under insurmountable odds, I refused to prepare myself. I wasn’t ready. I'm still not ready.

You were born on Valentines Day 2024 and diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, but you were so perfect to me. When you got diagnosed with MSUD, Seb and I were determined to give you the most normal life. We did everything, PT/OT/speech & feeding therapy. We brought you to all the specialists and subspecialists, sought out the world’s experts on MSUD and transplant. It seemed like all our hard work was paying off; you were meeting all your milestones and thriving. We moved closer to family in Virginia Beach and were finally enjoying suburbia with our 4-person household and 2 car garage. We went on road trips, camped, played at the parks, went to the beach. Life was just beginning; we just needed more time.

You brought so much joy and love into our lives, always smiling, so curious and playful, nonstop moving. You were the world’s best snuggler, on the verge of needy, a trait that could be both annoying and endearing. Everywhere I took you, people would comment on what a beautiful boy you were. I know I’m biased, but you really were. You had the best smile and hair…that beautiful flowy hair. You started reaching into people’s hearts even as a baby. You changed our perspectives on life and taught us all what was important and what was not.

Today is our chance to say thank you for the way you brightened our lives, even though God granted you but 2 years. We all feel cheated that you were taken from us so young and yet we must learn to be grateful for the time we had. Only now that you are gone do we truly appreciate what we are now without, and we want you to know that life without you is very, very difficult.

I trust God that you are free of disease and pain, living the toddler life you so deserved in heaven. I look forward to seeing you again when the time comes.
Leo, I love you with all my heart.

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