Former 138th District New York State Assemblyman

Joseph T. Pillittere, 83, of Lewiston, NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 24th, 2016 in the Hospice Care Unit at Northgate Health Care Facility in North Tonawanda, NY. Born in Buffalo, NY, he was the loving son of the late Dominic and Grazia (Georginelli) Pillittere.

Joseph graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in Buffalo and received a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Detroit University. He served in the United States Navy from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1957, and continued to serve in the Navy Reserve until 1961. Joseph married his wife of 57 years, Joan A. (Bella) Pillittere, who predeceased him in 2012.
Joseph served 22 years as an Assemblyman of the 138th District in New York State. During his 11 terms he initiated the Right to Know Law, implemented the Superfund Act associated with the Love Canal and assisted in the development of Niagara Falls High School. Prior to serving the 138th District, Mr. Pillittere was employed at Bell Aerospace in Wheatfield, NY as an aerospace engineer for 25 years, where he was instrumental in the development of the Minuteman Missile.

Joseph was an usher and longtime member of St. Peter's Church in Lewiston. He served as Chairman of the New York State Tourism Board and the Board of Director's at Artpark. Mr. Pillittere was also a member of the Lewiston Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus and a former Boy Scout Leader. Joseph enjoyed golfing and playing bocce. He also enjoyed camping, fishing and tending to his garden, but above all loved spending time with his family.

Mr. Pillittere is survived by his loving children, Donald (late Lorijean) Pillittere, Michelle (Richard) George, Joseph Pillittere, Jr., Jennifer (Matthew) Korzelius and was predeceased by one daughter Georgine (James) Baldwin. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one sister, Marida (Ethan) Peters, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his siblings, Russell (late Irene) Pillittere, Vincent (Joan) Pillittere, Phyllis (Salvatore) Greco and David (Terry) Pillittere.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 28th and Wednesday, June 29th from 2 -4 & 6 – 8 P.M. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 30th at 10:00 A.M. at St Peter's Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY. Interment with Military Honors in Memorial Park Cemetery. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Niagara Hospice. Please visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for guest register.