Luigi "Luigino" Pittarelli

With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Luigi “Luigino” Pittarelli on June 12, 2025. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Luigi was 87 years old. His passing comes just months after the loss of his cherished wife of 63 years, Orazia “Graziella” Pittarelli, whom he married in 1962. Their love was a lifelong partnership built on devotion, tradition, and family. We are met with some comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his beloved Graziella–his companion and love of his life.

Born in the picturesque mountain village of Campochiaro, Italy, Luigi immigrated to the United States in May of 1956 in search of opportunity–but he never left Italy behind. Every four years, he returned to his hometown with his wife and children, ensuring his Italian heritage remained strong across generations. He instilled in his family the language, culture, and values of his homeland, and reminded them daily of their roots.

Luigi’s greatest love was his family. He lived for his children, grandchildren, and his beloved sister Evelina, whose bond with him was one of deep affection and lifelong admiration. Sunday dinners were sacred, and every evening meal was a time for gathering—no exceptions. These moments around the table were the cornerstone of the Pittarelli household.

One of the most beloved highlights of those meals was when Luigi made his famous homemade pizza, a family favorite that everyone looked forward to. Alongside his signature pizza, his homemade vinegar became another adored family staple. These recipes weren’t just food, but an expression of pride, heritage, and love.

Luigi’s true purpose was loving and supporting his family; they were his greatest pride. Friends and family couldn’t escape the television slideshow of family photos playing on repeat–a true marker of Luigi’s doting admiration and enduring love for his family.

Luigi's heart was forever split between two countries–the Italy of his youth and the America where he built a life. He was proud of both his origins and the sacrifices he made to give his family a better future.

Throughout his life, another passion remained constant: soccer. From kicking balls in the streets of Campochiaro to nearly making a professional team in Italy, soccer was part of Luigi’s soul. Even after moving to the U.S., he played well into his 40s and never missed a match–his home always echoed with the sounds of cheering fans and RAI, the Italian television station that connected him to the country he so loved.

Luigi was also known for his quick wit and sharp puns. A master of the one-liner, he had a talent for delivering jokes that made everyone laugh–even if sometimes we had no idea what he meant. We laughed anyway, because his joy was contagious.

After arriving in Endicott, NY, Luigi worked at the Endicott Johnson Shoe Factory, then attended barbering school in Syracuse, NY. He co-opened his first barbershop with his good friend Guy Paolini, and later joined IBM, where he worked until retirement. Yet barbering called him back–he spent his later years cutting hair at Tony Valentino’s Barbershop, where he continued doing what he loved until age 75.

Luigi is survived by his devoted children: Brigitte Pittarelli, Lisa (Fabio) Pittarelli, and Giampiero (Hye Sook) Pittarelli, who adored him and sought his guidance and wisdom throughout their lives. He was a proud Nonno to Alessia Stead, Madison Stead, Federica Basile, Renato Basile, and Joe Pittarelli, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

He is also survived by his loving sister Evelina (Nicola) D’Angelo, his brother-in-law Peppino (Elaine) Pepe, his niece and nephew Daniela D’Angelo and Nino (Lisa) D’Angelo, and many treasured relatives in Italy and Canada. His memory will also be cherished by the wives of his lifelong friends, Adelia Paolini and Martha Baldelli, and close family friends, the Egitto and Roberto families.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 19th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 300 Odell Avenue, Endicott. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. Friends may call at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, on Wednesday, June 18th from 4:00–6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Mercy House of the Southern Tier in gratitude for their compassionate care.