Joseph M Pirro

Pirro
Joseph. October 17, 2024. Age 84. Loving and loyal husband of Janet Pirro (nee Del Piano) for 60 years. Beloved and revered father of Joseph, Maria (Jerry) Pirro-Sheplock and Monica (Michael) Young. Heroic grandfather to Kyle and Taylor. Also survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews, including Nicola and Francesco Froio who he helped raise after the early passing of their mother. Preceded in death by his parents Saverio and Maria Grazia Pirro (nee Raspa) and his only sibling, his sister Antoinetta Froio (nee Pirro).
An inspirational immigrant, he arrived by boat to America alone in 1956 at the age of 18 with only an 8th grade education and his native language. Born in Gasperina, Italy, a mountain village above the southern province of Catanzaro in the Calabria region overlooking the Ionian Sea, just the day before his untimely passing he'd finalized one last trip back to Italy to share his homeland with his precious grandchildren.
One of the last in Philadelphia's long line of celebrated career-custom tailors for a half-century-plus, he worked humbly first as a 25-year foreman, leading a factory workforce of hundreds at Victory Clothing in South Philadelphia until it closed in 1980, then in tuxedo design for Glah Brothers, Inc. In 1984, he purchased and prolonged the life of Cinquino Custom Tailoring, another landmark Philadelphia clothier.
A restless retiree, and righteous role model to many, he continued working tirelessly, but always put his family first. He could fix anything, did, and was repairing an old sewing machine when God called him to heaven. A monumental man, his insight and advice was lazer-sharp and priceless. His influence will endure in every life his life touched.
Relatives and friends are invited to his VISITATION October 24, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Eleanor Catholic Church at 647 Locust St., Collegeville, Pa. 19426. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11am. Entombment S.S. Peter and Paul Cemetery at 1600 Sproul Rd., Springfield, Pa. 19064. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.