Albert J. Pianelli Jr., 71, passed away Wednesday, January 19, 2022, in Kingston after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Phillipsburg, N.J., Al attended Phillipsburg High School. He was a proud alum of Villanova University, where he played football and basketball. For the past 42 years, Al had served the local community as a State Farm insurance agent in Wilkes-Barre.
Al is survived by son, Mark Pianelli and his wife, Alyssa, Paoli; son, Jeffrey Pianelli and his wife, Eileen, Charlotte, N.C.; three grandchildren, Alexander Pianelli, 13; Anabelle Pianelli, 9; and Allison Pianelli, 4; brother, Rod Pianelli; sister, Judy Morgitan and husband, James; sister, Sharon Meyer and her husband, Donald; and many nieces, nephews and godchildren.
Al was preceded in death by his daughter, Alyssa Marie Pianelli; and parents, Albert and Elizabeth Pianelli.
Al will be remembered as a devoted and dedicated father, a loving and adoring grandfather and a terrific friend. "Pop-Pop" found great joy in his grandchildren, attending their baseball games and dance recitals and was always up for some clowning around with "his kiddos."
He will also be fondly remembered for his two passions, golf and Villanova basketball. He enjoyed playing golf with his sons and his many friends at Fox Hill Country Club. Al was a very active member at Fox Hill, where he served on the board of directors for many years, served as the golf chairman and was elected president this past year.
When Al wasn't golfing, he was cheering on the Villanova Wildcats, attending games at the Pavilion and often traveling to watch the team play in the NCAA tournament. V's up!
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Corpus Christi Parish, West Pittston. Face masks will be required, please. Visitation will be held for family and friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hugh B. Hughes Funeral Home, Forty Fort.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an organization close to Al's heart, Allied Services Foundation, 100 Abington Executive Park, Clarks Summit, PA 18411, or via their secure website at www.allied-services.org/giving.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hugh B. Hughes & Son, Inc., Funeral Home.
Irene R Walent
January 24, 2024
He is not forgotten. Al was just so big in life, he did so many good things, he will be fondly remembered and missed. God's blessings to all of you.
You are in my prayers. Irene Walent
carl w Naessig
February 26, 2022
Our sincere condolences to Al's family. He was a great guy who we had the pleasure of knowing through State Farm. Rest in peace, Al.
Carl and Mary Ann Naessig[Ret. State Farm Agent]
Irene R. Walent
February 7, 2022
To the Pianelli family.....I have had the pleasure and joy of knowing Al since his second day with State Farm. Through the years we have kept up with each other and I could always rely his sound advise and judgement. I will miss his sense of humor, his wit and his friendship. My children also send their condolences as they also have a world of great memories of Al. I miss him very much but I thank God for having known him and sharing a good relationship with him through these 42 years. God bless you all....you will be remembered in prayer at my churches. Irene Walent
MaryLee Ferrell
January 31, 2022
I´m in Florida for the winter and got the news. I´m in shock. I had no idea he was ill. Al always looked the picture of health. As my insurance agent he was always so personable and helpful. I am truly saddened. My heart goes out to his family and coworkers. He is irreplaceable
John Richards
January 26, 2022
Deepest sympathy to Al's family. May the good times you had together be a comfort to you. "Big Al" was a great friend to my father, Jack. It was always fun to see Al at Fox Hill - I know how much he will be missed there. Rest in peace.
Nancy & Robert Kopko
January 25, 2022
Sincere condolences to Al's Family. Al was our agent & a friend for many years. May your wonderful memories bring you some Comfort & Peace.
Steve Zarbatany
January 25, 2022
Rod, Sorry to hear about your brother. We never met, but he comes from a wonderful family. Once again, I am so sorry for your loss.
Bea& Steve Zarbatany
Rebecca Wimmer
January 25, 2022
My deepest sympathies to Al's family and friends. Al will always be remembered for the funny and kind soul he was.
Christine & Kevin Osmanski
January 24, 2022
My husband and I knew Al since we were engaged in 1989. We formed a lovely and humorous relationship with Al.
He was a loving person and spoke highly of his family.
The world has lost a gentle soul. Rest In Peace our friend.
Sincere condolences to the entire family.
The Kozak's
January 24, 2022
Our Condolences to the Pianelli Family.
Rod, very sorry to hear of your brother passing.
Have knowned you Rod, Pop and Mom since late 60's. Didn't know your brother Albert Jr as much.
Our blessings are with you all.
R.I.P. Al
Joe Geiser
January 24, 2022
You're still the man Big Al!
Cathy Strach
January 23, 2022
As a client, I could always count on Al to be the calm friendly voice of assurance with all of the answers. I will miss that. Best wishes to his family.
Larry Wright
January 23, 2022
Please accept my condolences for your recent loss. Al was a very nice guy. We will miss him.
Hon. Martin Kane
January 23, 2022
Dear Pianelli Family: I would at this time like to extend my most sincere condolences on the death of your father Al. My thoughts&prayers are with you at this time.
Philip G Pizano
January 23, 2022
Deeply saddened. My Deepest Sympathy to Family.
Carol McCorkell Mineo
January 22, 2022
Prayers and sympathy to the family of our fellow PHS classmate-1968. May he rest in peace
Joseph Speziale
January 22, 2022
Mark, Jeff my prayers are with you and all family and friends, during this difficult time.
Since I heard of Al´s passing, I reflected back on our golf, fun times, and many laughs.
Al will truly be missed by many.
R. I. P. Al
January 22, 2022
RIP Big Al, my sincere sympathy to Mark and Jeff and their families. Shelly Andes
William Lansche
January 22, 2022
Al Pianelli was a great childhood friend, we grew up on the same street near each other. Played basketball with him at a near by outside court. R.I.P. my friend!
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