Gerard Francis Pignato

Gerard Francis Pignato (Jerry), 66, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away on February 24, 2026, surrounded by family, after an extended illness. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Carmen and Dianne (Picone) Pignato, and his brother, Mark.

Jerry was born on April 22, 1959, in Meriden, Connecticut. He grew up in Elmira, New York, where he won awards for his brilliant artwork, his musicianship (especially with the trombone), and even the vegetables he grew and entered into contests. He graduated from Elmira's Edison High School in 1977 ranked third in his class – all while working to help support his family.

His greatest talent was perhaps baseball; his no-hitters (too many to tally) and knee-buckling curveball earned him an invitation to try out for the Cincinnati Reds, along with offers to play college ball. He chose to play at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Jerry cherished his years at Brown, where he found camaraderie with his Phi Delt fraternity brothers. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1981, but his devotion to Brown never faded: he wore Brown apparel, filled his study with Brown memorabilia, and stayed in touch with Brown friends.

After Brown, Jerry became a Sooner. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1984 and, after a year in Vegas, moved back permanently to the Oklahoma City metro. In the midst of building his law practice, Jerry met the love of his life, Brenda. They married in 1992, and their family gradually grew from two to five.

Jerry charged into each day with enthusiasm ("like a rhino," he'd say). Law was his professional calling, and for forty years, he brought tenacity to every case. When asked what kind of law he practiced, he would proudly reply that he was a "trial lawyer." His dedication to his craft earned him a reputation among his peers as one of the finest trial lawyers Oklahoma has known.

Even when the workday ended, Jerry never rested. He painted and he read biographies from his "Presidential Library." He collected coins and he cooked Italian food. He enjoyed biking and hiking, grilling and gardening. He made a point of getting to know everyone, from the MidFirst tellers he saw every Saturday morning, to the Homeland pharmacy staff, to the court reporters at D&R. Most importantly, Jerry adored his dogs - including Luca, Harry, Sally, Koda, Lucy, and his fluffy lapdog, his shadow, Mia.

Yet nothing compared to Jerry's love for his family - and their love for him. He treasured family dinners, always ready to break a silence by exclaiming, "let's play a game!" He was perpetually planning the next family vacation (sometimes to his family's amused exhaustion). He insisted on visiting during each kid's college "family weekend." He called Brenda several times a day to ask what she was up to. He decorated his house like a shrine to his kids.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Brenda; his three children, Gordon Pignato, Ellie (Pignato) Carman and her husband Jimmy of Denver, Colorado, and Emma Pignato of Dallas, Texas; his sister, Mary; his mother-in-law, Judith Jimerson of Norman; his sister-in-law, Becky Hoyt and husband, Dirk of Houston, Texas; his brother-in-law Gregg Jimerson and wife, Courtney of Prosper, Texas; his uncle, Rev. Sal Pignato; his aunt, Anne Marie Picone; and many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Jerry's service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Norman. A reception at the church will follow.

In lieu of flowers, Jerry's family asks that you send them your favorite memories and photos of Jerry. Alternatively, the family requests that you take your dog on an impromptu walk, treat your staff to a surprise lunch, or simply take a pause to learn the name and story of one familiar face in your weekly routine.