JEAN-PIERRE NUTINI

NUTINI
JEAN-PIERRE
57, of Pittsburgh, PA, who was born in Los Angeles, CA in 1955, died at his residence, suddenly during illness, on July 10th, 2013. Jean-Pierre had multiple degrees: his B.A. in Theatre in 1985, at Northern Illinois University and an M. F. A. in Theatre in 1987 at the University of Pittsburgh. He studied Technical Theatrical Lighting Design at Carnegie Mellon University as a cross disciplinary program while completing the MFA at Pitt. He was fluent in English, French, Spanish and Italian. He was a larger than life artist in both stature and spirit, possessed with a rich and colorful life history fascinating and compelling enough to have been made into any one of the more than 59 films and TV series that he helped create here in Pittsburgh as a gaffer, rigging gaffer, best boy and electrician during the past 21 years, from Lorenzo's Oil to the more recent Avengers, Jack Reacher, Promised Land, and two others yet to be released. His film career was amalgamated with acting roles, as a long-standing member of SAG-AFTRA, with appearances in 15 films, in addition to commercial and voice over work throughout his career. During the course of his studies, he was a gifted actor in numerous productions, two of his favorites being Slow Dance on the Killing Ground, at NIU and Pedro Paramo with Quantum Theatre. His multi-talented focus also enabled him to work (often simultaneously) as both theatrical lighting designer and actor on countless productions with both theatrical and dance companies, including Kuntu Repertory Theatre, the Three Rivers Shakespeare Festival, Quantum Theatre, Dance Alloy, Attack Theatre and Srishti Dances of India. As a devoted friend always willing to lend his expertise and advice, he often volunteered to light and/or lend equipment to numerous friends for their special events. In addition to his IATSE #489 film career as a craftsperson, he was a charter member and staunch supporter behind the scenes of this union, with long tenures as both Secretary and Business Representative. He was ever encouraging to prospective new members and acted as mentor to many. He was also a member of Local IATSE #3 Stagehands for 23 years, working in every local Pittsburgh entertainment venue on thousands of concerts, performances, sporting events, political rallies and lectures. His mother. a Mexican of French and Spanish heritage, a Doctor and professor of Latin American Literature, along with his father's professorial anthropological career that focused on Mexican culture, both provided the foundation and impetus for yet another passion that Mr. Nutini shared with his wife: the collecting of Mexican Folk Art. Together they built an online presence in 2002, and this was followed in 2004 with the opening of Mexico Lindo Mercado y Galeria de Artesanias on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill. The goal was to recreate the colorful atmosphere and ambience of a Mexican market shopping experience, (which Nutini achieved in great part with his lighting expertise) and to meet as many of the great Mexican Maestros of Folk Art as possible, while also assisting artists in preserving their cultural traditions and educating the public. The elaborate Day of the Dead exhibits at the store each year became a highly anticipated and participatory community event. There were also annual collaborations with faculty and students at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Latin American Studies for the annual Latin American & Caribbean festival and the shared sponsorship of bringing a renowned Mexican artist for demonstrations, as well as outreach activities with many organizations, including Carnegie Mellon University, the Carnegie Museum of Art, El Circulo Juvenil de Cultura and Children's Hospital of UPMC, where a collection of Oaxacan woodcarvings are on permanent exhibit. There were also regular contributions and donations to many local churches, synagogues and field trips from school classes held at the store. With his charismatic appearance and voice, Jean-Pierre was happiest when entertaining audiences, whether performing, discussing Mexico, sharing his fascinating history or regaling friends with his piquant sense of humor. He was an accomplished chef and a connoisseur of Mexican street food. No one will ever be able to fill his size 17 shoes, and he will live on in the hearts of family and friends from all over the world. He was most greatly beloved and survived by his wife, Lisa DiGioia-Nutini; his mother, Dr. Monique Lemaître Leon; and predeceased by his father, the late Dr. Hugo G. Nutini; his brother Francesco Nutini Lemaître; he is also survived and beloved by his stepmother, Jean Forbes Nutini; his brothers, Christian (Marta), Alexis (Michelle); his son Christian (Brandi); his grandchildren, Nadia, Ethan, Christian and Monique (Rouleau). According to his wishes, no funeral was held. A memorial celebration of his life is being planned for Saturday September 7th, with further details to be determined. Those who wish to attend may request to be informed of final details and add their name to the guest list via E-mail to admin@mexicolindo.biz. Please put "Memorial Event" as the subject line. Plans for establishing a non profit organization to develop a permanent exhibit of the museum quality portions of the collection are in process. Cards and letters of condolence for any surviving family members may be mailed to: Mexico Lindo, 2027 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.
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