Richard T. Pioli

07/07/1929 - 06/20/2025

Richard T. (Dick) Pioli, age 95, entered eternal life with his Heavenly Father on June 20, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Palmina (Nevy) Pioli, his brother Alfred, his beloved wife Roberta (Bobbie), and eldest son Martin (Marty). He is survived by his children Patrick (Lori), Maryrose Pioli Adamek (Carl), and David (Cheryl), along with 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Born July 7, 1929, in the small mining town of Vintondale, PA, Dick earned a BA in Education from Penn State, an MA in Theatre from Catholic University in Washington, DC, and pursued doctoral studies at the University of Maryland. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he began his teaching career at Montgomery Blair High School in 1955. He married Bobbie in 1959, raising their family in Bethesda, MD.

As a gifted educator and mentor at Montgomery Blair High School, Dick taught English, Speech, and Drama —leading numerous productions, including a Broadway musical—and later served as English Department Chair. He went on to become Director of Educational Services at WETA public television in Washington, DC, earning several Emmy awards for instructional programming, and later served as Director of Aesthetic Education for Montgomery County Public Schools. Over his 30+ year career, he championed arts education, holding leadership roles with the Maryland and Mid-Atlantic Alliances for Arts Education, and was honored by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 1992.

In retirement, he worked with WESTAT, Inc. and the Educational Testing Service on national arts education assessments. After moving to Florida in 2001, Dick and Bobbie became strong supporters and advocates of the St. Petersburg Opera Company, enjoying its operatic brilliance and development of the opera company's Educational Outreach Program, creating future audiences among local school children in Pinellas County. After Bobbie's death, Dick spent his last 7 years enjoying life in Deephaven, Minnesota, near his daughter and family at Deephaven Woods residence surrounded by a loving community and staff.

Dick leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, service, and a deep commitment to faith. A cherished family patriarch, teacher, and mentor, he touched countless lives through his teaching, leadership, compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of the arts.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, July 25, at 1 p.m., St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Rockville, MD. Visitation before mass at 12:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the St. Petersburg Opera Company Educational Outreach Program, or St. Therese of Deephaven Catholic Church – Music Ministry.