Robert Pignatelli

Robert Pignatelli of Marlboro, New Jersey passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Palm Sunday, March 29, 1942, in Rome, Italy to Antonio and Elvira Spagnolo Pignatelli. He was later baptized in the Vatican. He, along with his family, moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Prior to leaving for Argentina. Robert and his family were given a special blessing from Pope Pius XII in a private audience setting. During his adolescence, Robert lived in Buenos Aires for 10 years before returning to Rome, and then to the United States for a better life. He eventually settled in Brooklyn, New York where he lived most of his life. While in the states, Robert attended Baruch College and would then go on to work for UNITE as a Union Representative, for over 50 years. He also served in the United States Army, an honor he took great pride in. So much that even when he finished his mandatory service, he joined the Reserves, and later worked for them arranging the funeral details for soldiers who lost their lives, including those in 9/11 on the homefront and those who perished in combat overseas protecting our country. Robert met his wife Lorraine in the Poconos, and they began a friendship that would eventually blossom into a romance. After six months of dating, they would marry on November 26th, 1972 and spent the next 50 wonderful years together, and would go on to have two children, Lisa and Anthony. In his spare time, Robert was very active. He played volleyball, soccer, racquetball, pickleball and tennis. He was an avid member of the Italian Club, Veterans Club, Elks Lodge and MAPTA travel association, always eager to take advantage of the next travel trip that was available. Robert loved movies (especially Westerns), dancing, going to the beach and playing pool volleyball. He and his wife Lorraine loved being 'SnowBirds' traveling to Fort Myers, Florida to spend their winter months together to fully enjoy their retired lives. Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years Lorraine (Russo) Pignatelli, his loving children Lisa Johnson and her husband Earl, Anthony Pignatelli and his wife Dawn, by his grandchildren that adored him immensely - Adriana, Tyler, Eliana, Giuliana, and Mia. He is also survived by his loving sister Francesca Viducich and his devoted nephews and niece, Raymond, Robert, and Stephanie, and many more family members and friends who loved him. Robert was a one-of-a-kind man with a beautiful soul. He was selfless and giving, and wonderful to so many people. Knowing him meant falling in love with him. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew and cherished him. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Michael Hegarty & John Vincent Scalia Home For Funerals and Cremation Service, 3377 US Highway 9, Old Bridge, New Jersey. A Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday at St. Gabriel's Historic Church located at 549 Rt 520 Marlboro, New Jersey 07746. Interment will be in Brigadier General William C Doyle Veterans Cemetery, NJ at a later date Online condolences may be made to the family at www.HegartyScaliaFuneralHome.com

Robert Pignatelli

March 29, 1942 - August 20, 2023