Emilio Corsi

Emilio Corsi, age 102, of Butler, formerly of Allison Park and East Liberty, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, surrounded by his family and the love of all the special people who helped care for him. He is survived by his daughters Marina Corsi and Rossana Scherer (Dr. Jerome), grandchildren; Antony Baer (Christina), Angela McKelvy (Joshua), Jerome Scherer (Nadine), Adrien Scherer (Kendra), Tyler Scherer, Julia Godish (Zachary), Talia Markantone (Micah), Gabrielle Banks (Weston), Maria Scherer, and Domenic Scherer. Also survived by 20 great-grandchildren; Vera, Roman, Ivy, Sierra (Levi), Savannah (Josiah), Lucas, Margaret, Lincoln, Molly, Tucker, Penelope, Turner, Mila, Emilio, Austin, Sydney, Carmela, Rayna, Clara, Luisa and 1 great-great-grandchild; Levi.

Emilio was born in Atina, Italy, a small mountainous village south of Rome. As was required of all 18-year-old males, he enlisted in the army as Italy entered World War II. Shortly after his enlistment into an army that was ill equipped and unprepared, he was captured in Africa and shipped to Scottsbluff, Nebraska in the United States. During his 3-year internment, Emilio was given the opportunity to collaborate with the United States and become an ally in the war effort. He agreed and his days of being a cold and hungry prisoner of war were soon over. He was able to experience the abundance and culture of the United States, a way of life he had never known or seen before.

When Emilio returned to Atina after the war, he found his hometown devastated by the bombings. He had to rebuild his family's home. The reality facing him left him wondering if there could be a life for him there. What could the future hold for a young man? Work was scarce. He dreamed of someday returning to the United States. He married and started his family and waited for the opportunity to return. A few years later, the opportunity came and with his young family and a single trunk of belongings, they left the life they knew behind and set sail for the United States.

Emilio and his beloved wife, Carmela settled in Pittsburgh. They adapted well. He began his life's work in construction. He was strong, hardworking & successful. Together they learned how to save money, they purchased their first home and first car. His accomplishments included helping to build many of Pittsburgh's landmarks, including the Parkway East, the Downtown subway and interstate 279. Emilio loved his garden; he was known for growing the best tomatoes and green beans. He loved having conversations with people, sharing stories of his experiences. Emilio's greatest joy was his growing family. He became "Pap" to grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. His life was now filled with new experiences, celebrations and so very many blessings.

As his health declined, Emilio would spend his days reminiscing about his childhood in Atina. He would talk about the people he knew, places he remembered, the things he did as a child, his beloved father whom he loved dearly. He would say how much he wished he could talk with his father again, even for a moment. In the morning, he would say, "Last night I went back to the house I grew up in, I was there." Pap, we now picture you there too, talking to your daddy and playing with your nonno.

And now we gather to celebrate Emilio's life, we were blessed to have him for 102 years…a devoted husband and father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, friend to many and loved by all. Our hearts are heavy as we all try to imagine our days without him but joyous that his pain and physical struggles are no more. Rest in peace Pap, we love you.

Friends received Sunday 4-7 p.m. at Schellhaas Funeral Home, Ltd., 5864 Heckert Road, Bakerstown. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday in Holy Sepulcher Church, Saint Mark the Evangelist Parish with Fr. David Schmidt, celebrant. Interment will follow at Holy Savior Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Emilio's service, donations can be made to the Senator John Heinz History Center, Italian American Program.