Joseph P. Pingitore

PINGITORE - Joseph P. Of Tonawanda passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter on Saturday August 16, 2008. Beloved husband of the late Lillian (nee Radel), father of Joseph A. (Bonnie) Pingitore and Mary A. (Mike) Casella. Loving grandfather of Jaclyn, Jordan, and John Pingitore. Loving poppy to Mick and Abby. Brother of Frank (late Margaret), August (Josie), the late Anthony (late Ruth), and the late Samuel (late Pauline) Pingitore. Brother in law of Leonard (Victoria) Radel, Florence (Russell) Serrianne, Delphine (George) Welch, Joann Radel, and Ellen (Cornelius) Donavan. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends. Born in Farnham, NY May 3, 1925. Enlisted in the US Navy January 1944 and served until January 1953. While in the Navy he was a driver to many admirals and played trumpet in the Navy band. Enlisted January 1953 in the US Air Force and served as a personnel specialist until November 1966. After the Air Force Joe worked for the New York Department of Labor as an Immigration Specialist. He was responsible for the immigration and naturalization paperwork for many doctors, chefs, members of the Buffalo Philharmonic, and Buffalo Sabres including Gilbert Perreault. After retiring from the NYS Dept. of Labor in 1989, he and Lillian spent their time golfing, cooking, and shopping for delicious foods and wines for family and friends. Joe also enjoyed treating family and friends to the best dining WNY has to offer. They wintered in Charleston, South Carolina. Joe was an avid golfer and a long time member of the Sheridan Park Mens Club. It was Joes wish to be an organ and tissue donor for the University of Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials in Joes name may be made to Hospice of Buffalo, Erie county SPCA, and the UB Anatomical Program. A memorial mass will be held Saturday, September 6, 2008 at 11:00 am in Farnham,NY at St. Anthonys RC Church, 421 Commercial Ave., the same church where Joe was Baptized