Albert Pitoscia Sr.

Albert “Al” J. Pitoscia Sr., 92, of Duluth died Monday, August 22, 2016 at the Barnes Care, Esko.  Al was born May 13, 1924 in Duluth to Vincent and Sandale Pitoscia.  He was a graduate from Central High School.  He joined the Navy and served on the destroyer USS Frankford.  The Frankford was the destroyer that broke ranks and moved closer to the beaches of Normandy to shell German gun placements.  It was a major turning point of the invasion.   After the war, He returned to Duluth.  He married Blanche Havron in 1954.  Al retired from the Duluth School district as a printer.  He was a member of the former St. Peter’s Church, the Italian American Club and the independent Order of Foresters.  He enjoyed Bowling, Bocce Ball; he coached Little League and was an umpire for many years.  Al was an excellent dancer, especially the Jitter Bug and Swing Dancing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Sandale; his wife, Blanche in 2008; brothers, Vincent and John and his sister, Florence Sullivan.

Al is survived by his children, Sharon (Joseph) Thayer and their children, Cory (Jay) Coons, Scott and Bill Thayer; Gary (Jennifer) Pitoscia and their son Sean ; Al (Pattie) Pitoscia Jr. and their children, Stephen (Jenae), Eric (Tanya) and Michel Pitoscia; Mary (Ron) Gittings and their children, Nicolas (Jessica) Gittings and Leanne (Dustin) Gamache; Patricia Scheffler and her children, Christina, Maryanne, Joel (Jessica) and John (Danelle) Scheffler; brother, Frank (Orma) Pitoscia; 24 great grandchildren and one great great grandson and one on the way.

Visitation will begin Friday at 10am with Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at St. Lawrence church, 2404 Morris Thomas Rd., Duluth, MN.  Burial with military honors accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard at Calvary Cemetery.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, MN, (218) 727-3555