Firm Supports Philanthropic Vision of Elizabeth M. Pfriem

Pullman & Comley is proud of the 40-year relationship we built with Elizabeth “Betty” Pfriem, a quiet but influential woman who led a life of selfless giving to organizations in the Greater Bridgeport area. Our relationship with the Pfriem family began in the 1950s, when Fred Comley and Dwight Fanton represented them with corporate matters relating to The Bridgeport Post, in which the Pfriem family was a principal owner. Later, in the 1970s, the firm represented Betty and her husband, John, to advise them in their personal and business interests. When John died in 1983, Betty devoted herself full-time to philanthropic endeavors with the area’s charitable and educational entities. 

With the assistance of our Trusts and Estates attorneys, she established the Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation to further her charitable undertakings. The trustees of the Foundation, including one of our attorneys, are committed to developing and instituting a mission to support children and young adults in need, as well as many charitable institutions and events, including the Barnum Festival and the Barnum Museum; the Greater Bridgeport Symphony; Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership (RYASAP); the Bridgeport Public Education Fund; Bridgeport Hospital; St. Vincent’s Hospital; Housatonic Community College; Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University.

Betty Pfriem passed away in April, 2017, but her legacy will continue through the efforts of her foundation.