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LOUIS A. "LOU" PRESTO
LOUIS A. "LOU" PRESTO
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LOUIS PRESTO Obituary
Died peacefully on August 4, 2019 at the age of 94. He is survived by his son, Carmen M. (Debbie) Presto and his grandchildren, Jennine C. Osborne and Angela M. (Mike) Streiff and his five great-grandchildren, Collin J. and Addison L. Osborne and Preston J., Parker J. and Payton J. Streiff. He is also survived by and was a role model for his nieces and nephews, Dr. Theodore R. (Diana) Paladino, Mary Louise Lacenere, Peter T. (Kathy) Paladino, Jr., Dr. Anne Marie Paladino and 12 great-nieces and nephews all of whom loved him so much. Lou was predeceased by his parents, Carmine (Harry) and Louisa (Manzione) Presto. He is also predeceased by his siblings, Rose M. Presto, Frances M. (Presto) Paladino, Richard W. Presto, Florence M. Presto and Carubina and Florence Presto who died in their infancy from the influenza epidemic. Within months of graduating from Central Catholic High School, Lou entered the United States Army and was deployed to the European Front during World War II. He served in the 94th Infantry Division of the United States Army. Lou received 5 Battle Stars during his service during WWII, including Normandy. The 94th Infantry Division served under General George S. Patton and that Division was called "Patton's Golden Nugget" as they marched and fought for Freedom throughout Europe, eventually meeting up with the Russian military in Czechoslovakia. Lou very much enjoyed being stationed in Paris after WWII before returning State-wide and he spoke more of his R&R there, than he did of his wartime service. After being Honorably Discharged from the United States Army, Lou returned to Pittsburgh, PA and resided in Greentree Borough after his family had to leave their Uptown home in 1956 for the construction of the Pittsburgh Civic Arena. Under the GI Bill, after his discharge, Lou received a college degree from the University of Pittsburgh with a major in Education. He taught for decades and decades in Elementary Education at the Brentwood School District until retirement in the 1980's. He coached many Varsity sports at Brentwood High School during his employment at the School District. His best friend, Pat Hobart, was a friend and co-educator with Lou at Moore and Elroy Elementary Schools and they remained close friends throughout their retirement years. Lou was a parishioner at St. Pamphilus Roman Catholic Church in Beechview. Family and Friends will be received at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp., 15220 (412-563-2800) Sunday, 3-7 and on Monday, 8:30 – 9:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday at St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish, St. Pamphilus Roman Catholic Church at 10 o'clock. A Roman Catholic funeral burial service with Military Honors will be held at gravesite at Calvary Cemetery.
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Nancy Josephs Boyle
September 6, 2019
Lou Presto was my 6th grade teacher at Moore Elementary School in Brentwood in 1964. He was my absolute favorite teacher ever! He knew how to connect with young people in a way that made them feel special. I remember that he chose me to participate in the Scripps National Spelling bee...I didn't make it very far in the competition, but I felt honored to be chosen. He made learning fun! I believe that many of his students would say that he was their favorite teacher too! I wanted to try to contact him this past year to let him know what a special teacher he was, but regretfully, I wasn't able to do so before he passed away. He was influential in my decision to become a teacher. I have very fond memories of Mr. Presto!
My deepest sympathies to the family.
Sincerely,
Nancy Josephs Boyle
Bernard Murray
September 6, 2019
Lou was my supervising teacher in Brentwood while I was student teaching fron California State College in 1966.
I loved him At Moore Elementary
I was a Central grad in 1961
Taught in Pittsburgh for 35 years
Saw him across from Kaufmans in town for years in the 60's in a coffee shop.
I knew Ted when I lived in Pleasant Hills and knew he was a nephew
Susan Wertheimer Iwler
August 12, 2019
I will always remember Mr. Presto as one of the finest teachers. He made every child at Moore School feel as if they could accomplish anything. He also taught my siblings..Wendy, Josh and Betsy. I will remember fondly meeting him for lunch with Mr Hobart, Betsy and Katie McGannon years ago. What a wonderful time we had! My mother spoke so wonderfully about him while on the school board and as a parent. He was a great role model for all of us who had the joy to know him and be taught by him. My thoughts are with you all.
August 12, 2019
I have so many fond memories of Mr. Presto from my days at Moore. He was such an inspiration to all who were blessed to have been his students. One memory that will stick out to me was when he attended the viewing for my mother. This was about 20 years after I had him as a teacher. I was the last of 6 children that he taught and my mother was very involved in the school. He told me that he just had to pay his respects. That meant more than I can put into words. Rest in peace Mr. Presto.
Dee Ladley-Hurrell
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Ed Bronder
August 11, 2019
Lou was my teacher at Moore School from 1974-1977. When you are a kid, teachers don't always seem human, but Mr. Presto always was.
We remained friends for over 40 years. I called him every year on his birthday, sent Christmas cards, and for the last several years, photos of my daughter.
We both loved Paris. During my many trips there , his and my grandmother's were the first two postcards I wrote and sent, every time. The man who told such wonderful stories listened to all of mine about Paris.
He spoke little to me of his military service, but the way he never spoke of it screamed volumes and it was probably the best lesson a very good teacher ever taught: that there is always another way.
His faith was unwavering. I have never seen anything like it.
I will miss him terribly. Peace and love, my friend.
Ed Bronder
Brooklyn, NY
Moore School 1977, Brentwood HS 1983
Debbie Lopata
August 11, 2019
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time . Mr Presto was my teacher at Moore school . He was such a great teacher , and person. He was always making us laugh and looking forward to his class . I was lucky to have crossed paths in life with him. I will always remember him.
Arthur Pollock
August 10, 2019
Mr. Presto was one of my supervising teachers in Brentwood in 1969.
I learned a lot about teaching that helped me be the teacher I am today. Most of all I learned how to be a good person and how to teach by modeling good behavior. My time at Moore Elementary was very special I will always be grateful for the guidance and wisdom of teachers like Mr. Presto.
May his memory be for a blessing and help us through this difficult time.
Louise Carlino
August 10, 2019
Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences for all members of your Family at this difficult time. May the prayers and words expressed, let all of you know; that we care and each one of you are not alone at this time.The Carlino and Randazzo Families
Barb and Harry Kline
August 10, 2019
So sorry for your loss. We really enjoyed reading about your father' wonderful life. God bless him and your family.
Amy Derr
August 9, 2019
Mr. Presto was one of my favorite teachers ever at Moore School. I had him for geography and loved his class. He was always kind, told the greatest stories, and really cared about his students. He is a big reason I wanted to become a social studies teacher and have been for 25 years. He and Mr. Hobart were such great friends and were always kidding around with students and impacted so many of us with such great experiences in and out of the classroom. He will be forever loved by so many of us who attended Moore School, we were so lucky to have him as our teacher!
Mrs. Amy (Moore) Derr
August 9, 2019
Louie was like a grandfather to our children, Emily and Paul McGill. He was there for all of our family affairs and the children's events and happenings. We had such wonderful times together with Pap-pap Lou. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Love,
Shari & Paul McGill
David Cook
August 9, 2019
Mr Presto was one of those teachers everyone will remember as the best, he was my teacher at Moore school, and truly was a great educator and friend.my sympathy to his family for your loss,rest in peace Mr Presto, job well done so many benefited from your love of your students.
August 9, 2019
The boys at Starbucks our signing off to r man lou presto the best talks any man could have
Steve Heckmann
August 8, 2019
Lou was a compassionate leader among a phenomenal team of teachers at Moore School. True to the ideals of his greatest generation he touch countless lives and positively influenced so many. He and his best friend so inspired me that I pursued teaching as my life's work. Whether it was baseball or current events or a discussion about how much he liked bananas, Lou always left you with a smile and a positive thought. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Kathleen Hollinger
August 8, 2019
What a beautifully written tribute. Thinking of you & your family Mickey & Debbie.
I remember seeing him at the girls soccer games.
Love, Scott & Kathy
Dean Petrone
August 8, 2019
Rest Easy Mr Presto, you were a great Teacher, Mentor and an American Hero, Thank you for your friendship and your service to our Country
Joyce Cline
August 8, 2019
The Baseball talking man!. He knew so much about it and other sports and loved to tell stories. We will miss you, Uncle Lou.
Jay Chrobak
August 8, 2019
Mr. Presto was a wonderful teacher at Moore Elementary.
Barbara (Pantano) Prenkop
August 7, 2019
Rest in Peace, Mr. Presto. I have many fond memories of my time in your 6th grade class at Moore. I only hope as a teacher, that I can be as inspirational to my students as you were to us when we were in your class.
john comito
August 7, 2019
mr. presto was my teacher at moore in brentwood he was the best thing in my life and made me the man i am today
Dale Naab
August 7, 2019
RIP Mr Presto. I was privileged and honored to have you as a teacher. Thank you.
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