John R. Pizzella

John Raymond Pizzella, 90, of Harmar Township, passed away peacefully Monday, March 27, 2023. John was born June 14, 1932, in Rochester, Pa., to Pasquale Pizzella and Caroline Car Pizzella. John graduated from Rochester High School in 1950, where he enjoyed quarterbacking the football team. He attended night school at Geneva College and after many years juggling work, school and family life, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in engineering. He was a licensed professional engineer and spent most of his professional life in management with the Potomac Electric Power Company, in Washington, DC. In 1958, John married Patricia Bodick, and together had four children and eleven grandchildren: Christina Lelis (Gregory) and her children, Tyler (Kaley) Lelis and Emily Lelis (Mike Skraba); John Pizzella Jr. and his children, Trey Pizzella, Caroline Pizzella (Garrett McElwain) and Julia Pizzella; Mary Ann Smith (Robert) and her children, Jacob (Maria) Smith, Allison (Ryan) Grosik, Stephanie Smith and Samuel Smith; and Justin Pizzella (Kathy) and his children, Kristopher Pizzella and Lia Pizzella. He leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Scarlett Smith and Henrik Gregory Lelis. John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 64 years, Patricia Pizzella, his brother, Alfred, his sisters, Lena Spada, Anita Thornton, Dolly Bonomo and Theresa Pizzella, and his son-in-law, Gregory Lelis. John loved a good soccer game and supporting his children and grandchildren in all their activities. He went to great lengths to attend every event his children were involved in, even when working out of town made it difficult to do so. Most important to John was his love of God and his devotion to his wife and family, at which he excelled. John instilled many important life lessons to his family, especially to always do what is right. He was a great husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. In times of need, he was always there. Mass of Christian Burial for John and his wife, Patricia, will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023, in St. Joseph Church, 342 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15215. Private interment for family will follow.  In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the Christ is King Parish in Pittsburgh. Donations may be made online at https://christthekingpgh.org/memorial-donation in honor of John and Patricia Pizzella. www.jarviefuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.