Obituary of Joseph D. Pirrello

Resident of Bridgeport PIRRELLO- Joseph D. Pirrello, age 92, entered into eternal rest Friday, July 30, 2010. Born in Bridgeport on March 15, 1918, he was the son of the late Cosimo and Mary Locascio Pirrello. Joseph was a lifelong resident of Bridgeport. In the 1940s, Joseph played the piano in local bands and could be heard on a weekly radio station from NY. He graduated from the University of Bridgeport with three degrees in music and education, and later worked as a teacher in Bridgeport for Columbus, Sheriden, and John Winthrop Schools. Until his retirement, Joseph was a principal at East Side Middle School. He was the organist at St. George Church and later for St. Theresa Church in Trumbull. Joseph also played the Italian Mass at St. Raphael Church up into his 90s. During WW II, he worked in the Veteran Administration office. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Bridgeport Trinacria M.A. Society. In addition to his devoted wife of 64 years, Amelia Mastri Pirrello, survivors include his sisters Ann Vitrella and Mary Whelan, loving children Chuck V. Pirrello of Raleigh, NC, John A. Pirrello and his wife Diane of Stratford, and Claudia M. Peterson and her husband Paul of Stratford, grandchildren Lea Gerbino, David, Nicole, Christopher, April, Justin, Jennifer and Samantha Pirrello, Eric, Christine and Michael Peterson. Joseph also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Zackery and T.J. as well as several nieces and nephews whom he adored. He was predeceased by a son, Joseph Pirrello, Jr., sisters Jean Caputo and Josephine Vitrella. Funeral Information Funeral services will take place on Tuesday August 3, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull and 10:00 a.m. in St. Margaret's Shrine, Bridgeport for a mass of christian burial. Entombment will follow in St. Michaels Mausoleum, Stratford. Friends may call on Monday from 4-8 p.m. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Assoc. 2075 Silas Deane Hwy. Rocky Hill, CT 06067.