Mars lost an icon in the community with the death of Edward “Ed” John Pfeifer III, founder of Pfeifer Hardware, on Friday. Cary Shaffer/Butler Eagle

Edward “Ed” John Pfeifer III, founder of Pfeifer Hardware in Mars, was called an icon in the community.

Pfeifer III died at his home Friday, March 24, morning, surrounded by his loved ones.

“He’s owned and operated two businesses — the funeral business and the hardware business — while he’s been here,” said his son, Edward “Ed” Pfeifer IV. “So, you know, he just knows everybody, and everybody knows him.”

The elder Pfeifer owned and operated Pfeifer Hardware in the borough from 1986 to 2002 and, before that, Waters-Pfeifer Funeral Home for five years.

“He was a business owner for basically his whole life,” the younger Pfeifer said.