PHILLIP ANTHONY PISCIOTTA Jr.

1927 - 2015

PHILLIP ANTHONY PISCIOTTA, JR. On Sunday, June 28th, 2015, Phillip Pisciotta, Jr. passed away in the home surrounded by all his children and grandchildren at the age of 87, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 1st from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO. The funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2nd, also at Mt. Moriah, followed by the burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO. Phillip was born October 16th, 1927 in Kansas City, MO, to Phil Pisciotta, Sr. and Margaret (Inzenga) Pisciotta. He was married to Mary Louise Yort in 1953, who preceded him in death on June 26th, 2006. He was the youngest of four sons, Russell, Joe, and Willie, all of whom preceded him in death. He leaves three sons and their spouses, Phil and Kak, Ray and Kathy, Russ and Julia and also his daughter Mary and her husband Randy Bull. Phil had four grandchildren, Carrie Arnone, Anthony Arnone and wife Tina, Angela Arnone and husband Justin, Joe Pisciotta and wife Dezi, their son and one great-grandson, Bentley Ross. He also had two step grandsons, Randy Bull, Jr., his wife Kelle and their two sons, Grant and Dylan Bull, and Benjamin Bull and his wife Lindsay. Phil attended Raytown High School then went on to Wentworth Military Academy. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan where he and Mary Louise spent the first two years of their marriage. Phil was a devoted husband, father, and friend to many; well respected and loved by family and friends. He grew up in the family business, Pisciotta Fruit & Vegetable Co. which his father started in 1917. Together with his brothers, they worked and grew the business through the years until he and his own sons successfully ran the family produce company until 1999 when the business was sold. It was then, at the age of 72, Phil actually retired. One of the highlights of his life was the trip to Italy with their children and grandchildren in 2003. Instead of having a celebration in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary, our parents chose to take everyone to Italy. Needless to say, the memories created on that trip will be cherished forever. That in a nutshell exemplified the generosity and love Phil and Mary had for their family. In his retirement, Phil's responsibilities switched to more simplistic roles. He truly loved the outdoors, watering and caring for flowers and plants, watching the birds, sitting outside in the sunshine, and tending to the family dogs. He would often say, "My only job is to put the dogs in, then put the dogs out." The job he lived for until the last pet passed away. He also enjoyed the "Do Nothing Club", a group of older retired friends that would meet once a week for lunch. Phil loved Sunday gatherings at the house, a tradition dating back to when he was a young boy, made complete as the family gathered around the table for dinner. He was a man who was rich in tradition. He lived and taught through his example of showing respect, good work ethic, and devotion to what is important. His family was significantly blessed to have him in their lives. His passing will leave a tremendous void in our hearts but at the same time, will gift everyone who knew him with the greatest virtues. . .kindness and generosity. The family would like to extend our gratefulness to Preferred Care at Home of Greater KCMO for their service in providing compassionate caregivers in the last year of his life to assist him and the family with his care. Especially the owner Joe Passantino and coordinator Jodi: Katie, Ricardo and Pam who provided exceptional care for him. Village Hospice also provided Phil and the family with comforting care in the last few months as well. From all the family, we greatly appreciate everyone for all you have done. Contributions may be made in his name to Village Hospice, 400 Murray Road, Lee's Summit, MO, or the Alzheimer's Association, or Heart of America Chapter. M