Dario Pitotti

Dario Pitotti, 89, of Beckley, died Wednesday, March 4, 2009 in the Raleigh County General Hospital following an extended illness.. Born September 5, 1919 in Blue Diamond, KY, he was the son of the late Guiseppe and Laura Giovannelli Pitotti. Dario was a retired mechanical engineer and master mechanic/electrician for Eastern Associated Coal Corp. He was a bombardier with the U.S. Army Air Corps during WW II and was a prisoner of war in Germany. He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Holy Name Society and American Legion Post 32. He was also preceded in death by sisters; Julia Rufini, Gina Culicerto, Rena Pitotti and Josephine Simmons. Mr. Pitotti was active in his church, loved and respected by his family and friends, and well known for his willingness to serve and help others. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, was an avid reader and loved solving crossword/brain teaser puzzles.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Helen Granila Pitotti; his daughters Elizabeth Wallen of Beckley, WV, Laura Johnson and husband Mark of Bloomington, IL, Margaret Pitotti of Springfield, VA, his sons Stephen J. Pitotti and wife Sarah of Dumfries, VA, and Thomas D. Pitotti and wife Fran of Winchester, VA, and sisters Ida Pitotti of Beckley, WV and Ellen Jumer of Rochester, MI. He is also survived by grandchildren Sarah Lord, husband Nathan and daughter Taylor; Melissa Pitotti; Capt. Christopher Pitotti and wife Becky; Stephanie Pitotti; Aaron Johnson and wife Lindsay; Allie Johnson; William Elliott; Lawrence Elliott, Jr. and wife Melanie; Laura Weaver, husband Scott and daughter Addison; Jennifer Pitotti; Emily Pitotti; and Christine Pitotti.
A funeral liturgy will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2009 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with Monsignor Samuel S. Sacus the celebrant. A rite of committal will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call at the Calfee Funeral Home from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday. A rosary will be recited at 8:30 p.m. led by Rev. Mr. Don Wise.
Pallbearers will be nephews Pete, John, David and Richard Culicerto, and grandsons, William and Lawrence Elliott, and Capt. Christopher Pitotti
On line condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 626 S. Oakwood Ave., Beckley 25801 or to a charity of choice.
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.