John S. Pitarresi, 83, of Wheatfield, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY and Lewiston, died on Monday July 12, 2010 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston NY. Born March 8, 1927 in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Giovanni and Rosalia (Giannone) Pitarresi. He was the husband of Ida (Craig) Pitarresi who was his great partner in life.

John attended local schools, and at the age of 17 enlisted in the United States Army on February 17, 1945. After basic training at Camp Blanding, Florida, he left for California to get ready to ship out to the Pacific Campaign Area. He was sent to serve with the 158 U.S. Army Combat Engineers on Luzon around the Lingayen Gulf area of the Philippine Islands. After the war ended, he served as a Sergeant with the U.S. Army Occupational Forces of Japan until his honorable discharge on November 21, 1946. John was awarded an American Defense Service Medal; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with a Bronze Star; World War II Victory Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Expert Rifleman Badge; Army of Occupation Medal; Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Medal and the Honorable Service Lapel Pin for World War II. Following his discharge, he returned to Niagara Falls, and worked for the former Shredded Wheat Company as a shipping checker. He left there and went on to the Union Carbide Corp and then to Bell Aircraft Corp. as an Electronics Assembly Supervisor. John worked for several electoral contractors as a journeyman electrician for, Zar Electric Co., Gemmar Electric Co., State Electric Co. and LaMantia Electric Co. He also worked as a maintenance electrician and electronics teacher for the General Motor Chevrolet Engine Plant in Tonawanda until his retirement after twenty five years. He and his wife, Ida, also owned and operated the Rural Electric Co. in Niagara County for several years in the late 1970's while working for General Motors.

John enjoyed traveling with his wife, family gatherings, hunting and fishing, gardening, photography, electronics and helping friends. He was a member of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America Cataract Lodge #240, their Travel Club, The Italian American War Veterans Post #42, Reunited Seniors Club, the John Duke Senior Center, the Cristoforo Colombo Society of Niagara Falls, NY; St. Joseph Church and the U.A.W. Local 774. In 1989 John was chosen Skilled Worker Emeritus of Western New York, by former Governor Mario Cuomo to be an advocate of skilled trades training as an alternative to college.

In addition to his wife, Ida, of forty five years, John is survived by two daughters, Linda Pitarresi and Kathleen (James) Weixlmann both of Niagara Falls, NY; two sons, John M. (Paula) Pitarresi of Hamburg, NY and Dr. James M. (Glenna) Pitarresi of Vestal, NY; eight grandchildren, five great- grandchildren, one sister Connie (the late James) Longo of Niagara Falls, NY; and several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by two sisters and one brother, Frances (late Alexander) Scricco, Murphy J. (late Marjorie) Pitarresi and Nina (late Anthony "Tric") Trincanati.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 3 – 8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Friday July 16th at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Stewart Lindsay, O.S.F.S. officiating. Entombment with Military Honors will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY.