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Joseph Pirolo Obituary
He was born March 7, 1947, the son of Alphonse Pirolo and Jeannette (Robinson) Pirolo of Queens, New York. His family moved from Queens to Ellington when Joe was 14. He graduated from Ellington High School in 1964, then earned his engineering degree from Hartford Technical College. He was employed by the State of CT Department of Transportation for 35 years and was chief administrator of operations before retiring in 2002. Joe enjoyed music, especially singing harmonies, and playing guitar. In the late '70s and early '80s, he helped form a folk-rock band with friends, playing out at local clubs, outdoor parties, and our living room. More recently, his leisure time was spent shooting skeet and trap at the Fin, Fur & Feather Club in Chaplin. Socializing there and at the Bidwell Tavern in Coventry, Joe made many lasting friendships.
Besides Kathie (Smith) Pirolo, his wife and best friend of 41 years; he leaves his sister, Pamela Pirolo of Tolland; his sister and brother-in-law, Robin and Doug Tintle of Middletown, New Jersey; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Patricia and David Wildman of Foxborough, Massachusetts; brother-in-law, Richard Smith of Poway, California; former sister-in-law, Kathy Smith Belanger of Manchester; daughter, Melissa Pirolo and son, Douglas, both of Massachusetts; three grandchildren, Keith Pirolo, Nicole Pirolo, and Kaeleigh Pirolo; as well as many nieces, nephews, godchildren, close friends, and his beloved dog, Zoey.
A celebration of Joe's life will be held in the near future.
Memorial donations may be sent to ECHN Visiting Nurse Association Hospice Team, 8 Keynote Dr., Vernon CT 06066, or to the Fire & EMS Department of Coventry, 1755 Main St., Coventry CT 06238. Both provided the care and compassion needed at the right time. We are truly grateful for their assistance.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Pirolo
David LeDuc
June 10, 2025
In high school we 3 & or four of us use to hang out and sing harmonies! I loved it. About 15 or so years later we started a band called Friends. Rob Lucas-Joe Pirolo-Linda Sebula & me. We did four part harmonies in most songs excluding country
rock & doo wop Fun times! Joe, Rob and several other good friends have past on. I miss all of them
Lisa & Bob Merrill
December 14, 2020
We are so sorry to hear the news of Joe's passing. He was always a great neighbor and never hesitated to offer his help
LIsa & Bob Merrill
December 14, 2020
We are so sorry with the news of Joe's passing. He was always a great neighbor and never hesitated to offer help.
Linda Clark
July 13, 2020
l loved Joe as a friend and fellow musician. He taught me a lot about harmonies and was so supportive when we were in the group Friends together. I remember all our practices and laughter. He was so patient with our fumbling around with wrong notes and second tries. His sweet and gentle nature will always be in my heart.
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Ernie Dore Jr.
July 2, 2020
Going to miss you my friend...
So many good memories and chats.
Rest easy Joe,and thanks for your friendship.
Chris Lynch
June 19, 2020
I was in the band "Friends" with Joe back in the late 1970s. His love and mastery of "Doo-wop" music introduced me to a lot of music that I would have missed otherwise. Amazing vocalist and arranger, the band would not have sounded as good without him. A wonderful person. It was my fortune to have known him. (That's Joe holding the tambourine and mic stand, 2nd from right.)
Cathe Briwn
June 18, 2020
To the Pirolo Family,
My sincere condolences for your loss.
I worked with Joe for many years at CTDOT and always found him to be very personable, professional and knowledgeable. My dealings with him were always pleasurable and I completely trusted his judgement. When I would run into him in the hallway or going way back in time, in the smoking room, and ask how he was doing his response was always, Peachy...Just Peachy. To this day I repeat that phrase when people ask me that same question and fondly think of him.
RIP my friend....RIP!
David LeDuc
June 18, 2020
Hey Old Man a nickname originatIng I believe during the band Friends development. It was in my regards a name relating to his musical talent and demeanor. Joe could sing any Vocal range and was leaned on for Harmony guidance. He had a a major influence with the bands vocal success. He also was the oldest therefore Old Man was a double edged term of respect. So Old Man I suspect that you have all the heavenly angels singing four part harmonies and if you listen carefully you will notice I still need practice with the baritone. Miss you and sing on!
Gould family
June 16, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Trina Meyer
June 16, 2020
I only knew Joe in High School. He caused quite a stir when he came to our little town. A kind man.
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