Obituary of Charles Pierantozzi

Charles D. Pierantozzi, 85, of City of Poughkeepsie, died August 7, 2008 at home. A lifetime local resident, he had been the owner of Hopewell Sporting Goods in Hopewell Junction, NY, retiring in 1986. He served in the United States Army during World War II. A member of Holy Trinity Church in Poughkeepsie, he was also a Eucharistic Minister there. Mr. Pierantozzi was also a lifelong member of the YMCA and Italian Center. Born July 12, 1923 in Poughkeepsie, he was the son of Celestino and Italia Tucci Pierantozzi. He was a graduate of Poughkeepsie High School. On Nov. 28, 1948 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Chucrh, Poughkeepsie, he married Jean D. Catalano. Mrs. Pierantozzi survives at home. Other survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Michael J. and Debra Pierantozzi of Union Vale, NY; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa J. and Brian Kerrigan of Cary, NC; son, Thomas J. Pierantozzi of Hyde Park; and daughter and son-in-law, Christine A. and Jeffrey Walraven of Poughkeepsie. He was the loving grandfather of Carri Young, Matthew Pierantozzi, Janine and Rachel Pierantozzi, Michael, Stephanie, Brianna and Alissa Kerrigan, Nicholas and Kristin Pierantozzi, Daniel, Kyle, Connor and Aidan Walraven; and great grandfather of Macayla and Mason Young. He was predeceased by his son, Charles Pierantozzi. Charlie's love and devotion to his family were the hallmarks of his life. From interpreting English for his immigrant parents as a child, to caring for them in their later years; from the recounting of the colorful people and experiences that he had growing up on Bridge Street in Poughkeepsie during the Great Depression, to telling enthusiastic tales that had one almost believe that they were true. Charlie always conveyed fervor for life. Charlie was genuinely interested in people and was never shy about offering help and advice to others. Charlie took pride in his garden, and always encouraged others to share in its nurturance, in a manner similar to his efforts to nurture others through his anecdotes and generosity. Charlie's most beloved place outside of Poughkeepsie was Marco Island, FL, both due to its beauty. There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, August 11, 2008 at 9:45am at Holy Trinity Church, with Father Joseph LaMorte officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, Salt Point Turnpike, Poughkeepsie. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Church, 775 Main St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 or to Hospice Foundation, 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.