Ernest "Ernie" Pinyot

Ernest "Ernie" Pinyot, originally Pignat, passed away August 28, 2025, at the age of 95. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and respected leader in the building trades, Ernie's life was defined by faith, family, and an extraordinary work ethic.

Born and raised on Apple Ave. in Lincoln-Larimer, he played basketball and graduated from Westinghouse HS. He studied architecture and engineering at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Tech (now CMU) - each interrupted by stints in the Army. Ernie apprenticed as a carpenter under his Italian immigrant father and rose to field superintendent working 30 years for Jendoco Construction. Ernie oversaw the building of schools, bridges, churches, and skyscrapers, including Winchester Thurston, Point Park University, Pitt's Law School, CNG Tower, and Trimont. Mellon Stuart hired him to build the 50-story Leo Burnett Tower in Chicago – moving him and wife Rita to the Windy City for 3 years. With American Bridge in Orlando, he accomplished an engineering feat – adding a 250 ton, 25-story Mickey Mouse wand above Walt Disney World's iconic Spaceship Earth to mark the new millennium. In retirement, he was a sought-after consultant, often leading projects pro bono including construction of Christ Church at Grove Farm, where his life will be celebrated.

Ernie was a devoted husband for 67 years to his beloved wife, Rita, with whom he raised five children, teaching all to ski as soon as they could walk. They were longtime members of Churchill Country Club, raised their children at St. Bonaventure in Glenshaw (Ernie built their home and his father built their church), they organized an annual Zeuger Street Block Party, was an active member of North Hills Christian Church and Moody Bible Church in Chicago, hosted Bible studies with friends from Christ Church at their home in Diamond Run, and were active in the Sherwood Oaks retirement community. They sailed the "Pinyacht" on Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, and the Chesapeake Bay, and traveled the world, until Rita passed in 2018.

He found love again with Judy, sharing five wonderful years of marriage, including cruises around the world, quarantining together during the pandemic, trips to visit family, and enjoying life at Sherwood Oaks. Ernie's family is grateful for the staff and residents of Sherwood Oaks for the great care they provide and community they have created.

Ernie is survived by his wife Judy (McElwain) Andrews Pinyot; daughters Denise (Patrick) Perry, and Laurie (Jim) Cunningham; sons David (Mary) Pinyot, Stephen (Christine) Pinyot, and Jeff (Ruth) Pinyot; step-son Brian (Joan) Andrews; and step-daughter Denise (Joel) Collett. He is also survived by grandchildren Stephen (Julia), Hannah (Jacob), Rachel (Bradley), Jimmy, Nick (Jessica), Lacy (Felipe), Brandon, Rachel (Kuhu), Russell, Robyn (Colby), Emily, Catherine, Christopher, Caroline, Jonathan, and Justin (Gracie); step-grandchildren Lauren, Brent (Joanie), Brock (Tasha), and Kelsey (Andrew); and great-grandchildren Isabel, James, Nora, Theo, and Roman; as well as his sister-in-law Marilyn Colosmo and many loved nieces and nephews – all of whom were a source of immense joy and pride to him.

Loved ones gone before include his parents Ernesto and Rose (Ezzo) Pignat, wife Willa Rita (O'Donnell) Pinyot, in-laws Patrick and Willa (McAfee) O'Donnell, brother Edward (Adrija) Pinyot, sister Dolores (Don) Ries, brother-in-law Patrick (Ellen) O'Donnell, sister-in-law Noreen (Gerald) Burkhart, brother-in-law Tom Colosmo; nephews Danny, Paul, and Johnny; and step-grandchildren Kristin and Paige.

Ernie will be remembered not only for his leadership in the construction community, but also for the strength of his faith in Jesus Christ and his devotion to family and church. He lived his 95 years with quiet dignity, unwavering integrity, and impeccable character.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, September 13, at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Church at Grove Farm, 249 Duff Rd., Sewickley, PA 15143. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to one of Ernie's favorite ministries: Urban Impact (uifpgh.org), PO Box 99518, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

Arrangements were entrusted to Boylan-Glenn-Kildoo Funeral Home & Cremation Svcs., Inc., 130 Wisconsin Ave., Cranberry Twp., PA 16066.