Eugene Pistilli

Eugene (Gene) Pistilli

Eugene (Gene) Pistilli, was called home on December 26, 2017. Born in Hoboken and raised in Fairview, NJ, he got his early musical start at home where his mom and dad always had some form of music playing; his father on the guitar and his sister Ceil on the accordion; with the rest of the family joining in songs and harmony. He wrote "Song for My Mother" which perfectly captured those years at home. Eventually, he settled himself and his children in Nashville, where he continued his love of songwriting, and creating many original pieces.

A wide range of artists recorded his songs including his friend Jim Croce, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Al Martino; Bette Midler used his song in her debut movie "The Rose", and performed her raunchy rendition of his "Pretty Legs and Great Big Knockers." Roy Rogers recorded "How the West was Swung" where Rogers commented that he loved Gene's song not only for its beauty and creativity, but because it gave him the opportunity to yodel again. Gene was awarded Country Song of the Year by the Country Music Association for his song "Too Gone, Too Long" recorded by Randy Travis.

Eugene is pre-deceased by his mother and father, Eugene and Mary, and his sister Cecelia Fairclough. He is survived by his daughters, Arianna and Tiolina, sister Regina, brothers Anthony and Frank, and also by many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held on March 17th at 12 noon at Our Lady of Grace Church in Fairview, NJ.

Family is requesting that any one desiring to make a contribution in Eugene Pistilli's name, to please donate to Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation at www.childrens-specialized.org. or if anyone wishes to donate directly by check (with "memo" notating Eugene Pistilli) made payable to Children's Specialized Hospital, 150 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092