Richard J. Pittaro Sr., NFFD Ret., 85, of The Villages, FL, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on July 15, 2023 at Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care in The Villages, FL.  Born in Steubenville, OH, he was the son of the late James V. and Ethel (Luciani) Pittaro.

Richard came to the Niagara Falls area in 1939.  He attended Bishop Duffy High School and El Camino College in Torrance CA.  While at Bishop Duffy he excelled at Baseball, Basketball & Football.   On April 11, 1959, he married Dolores M. (Bianco) Pittaro at St. Joseph Church in Niagara Falls, NY.  Richard was employed as a Firefighter with the Niagara Falls Fire Department for over 20 years until his retirement in 1986.  He was also part owner of RF Remodeling.  Richard was a member of Niagara Frontier Country Club, where he enjoyed golfing after his retirement and was an avid golfer in The Villages until his death.  While working as a firefighter he was bestowed the Levy Brothers Award for Heroism and also the National Ward LaFrance 2nd Annual Fire Industry Award for Heroism.

In addition to his beloved wife of 64 years, Richard is survived by his children, Natalie (Jeffrey) Gerber and Richard Pittaro Jr.; his grandchildren, Aubrey (Kenny) Polatas, Austin Gerber, Evan Pittaro and Alex Pittaro; his great-granddaughter, Tessa; his siblings, Jerry (late Maureen) Pittaro, and James (Karla) Pittaro, Jr., as well as by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was predeceased by his daughter Valerie (Herman) Capello, and his brother, Donald Pittaro.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 8 at 11:30 AM at St. Joseph Cemetery, 3806 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Interment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.  If desired, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara SPCA.  Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.