Albert R. Pilotti

Albert R. Pilotti, 89, a former Scranton resident, died Saturday at the home of his son. He was the loving husband of the late Annette Ferrese Pilotti, who died Nov. 21. The couple was married for 63 years.

Born in South Scranton, he was the son of the late Louis and Caroline Colona Pilotti. He was a member of St. Lucy's Roman Catholic Church, Scranton. Before retirement, Albert was an employee of Simplex Manufacturing Co., specializing in plumbing and heating for more than 40 years. He was so mechanically inclined that throughout the years, it was Albert whom family, friends and neighbors would call upon when anything needed to be built, installed or fixed.

He proposed to Annette on Christmas Day, and after their marriage in 1947, they resided in the Hyde Park section of Scranton and raised their two children. Four years ago, they moved to Bucks County to be closer to their son, daughter and grandchildren.

Albert spent his retirement years traveling with Annette in order to keep up with his son and daughter's many moves, and always being involved in his grandchildren's lives by attending recitals and sporting events. His twilight years were especially brightened by his great-grandsons, Sammy and James Purdum. Albert enjoyed gardening and was especially proud of his tomato plants, often having contests with his neighbors for who had grown the best tomatoes. He loved Italian music and could often be found singing along to it. Albert was known by many names, Al, Dad, Grandpa, Papa and Uncle to those who knew and loved him, and he will be sorely missed. He died surrounded by his loving family.

Surviving are a son, Robert Pilotti and wife, Nona, Yardley, with whom he resided; a daughter, Carol Ann Pilotti, Newtown; four grandchildren, Lisa and Chris Purdum and Andrew and Sabrina Pilotti; and two great-grandsons, Samuel and James Purdum.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Roger, and three sisters, Lena Piepoli, Louise Martins and Mamie Nirchi.

The funeral will be Wednesday with Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 630 Genet St., Scranton, to be celebrated by Monsignor Philip A. Gray. Interment, Italian-American Cemetery, Minooka section of Scranton.

Friends may call Wednesday at the church, from 9 to 10. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice, 300 Lakeside Drive, Suite 120, Horsham, PA 19044 or to Little Sisters of the Poor, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509. To leave an online condolence, visit www.august haasfuneralhome.com.