Richard Daniel Pignato
DECEMBER 9,1949 – MARCH 9, 2019
Richard Daniel Pignato, age 69, of Port Orange, Florida passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2019. Richard was born December 9,1949 in Chicago, Il to his loving parents Daniel and Kathryn.
In 1985, Retired Senior Deputy Sgt. Richard Pignato was recruited by the South Daytona Police Department where he began his career in law enforcement. Prior to his transferring in 1993, to the Volusia County Sheriff's Department, he was a councilman for the city of South Daytona. During his career with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Department, he was a Student Resource Officer for the D.A.R.E. program, as well as an instructor during the duration of the Volusia County Boot Camp program. While doing this, he was able to mentor troubled and at risk juveniles. Rich enjoyed being a Field Training Officer, as well as, a Firearms Instructor, before retiring with the Sheriff's Department in 2013.
Richard and his wife of 42 years, Nanci (deceased 2013), relocated to Florida from their home state of Illinois, to raise their family. Richard is survived by his loving wife Mary Pignato; Children: Heather Pignato, Ashleigh Kedzierski (Ken); Shana Ochiuzzo (Tim); Bonus Children: EJ Halligan
(Denise); Hollie Halligan Hardy (Jeremy). Grandchildren: Kailey, Hanna, Yasmeen, Nelson, Abygail, Noah, Zachary, Alexandra, Jaedon, Bradley, Madisen, Bentley, Riley, Colby, Hannah, Ethan, Ava, Travis; Great-Grandchildren: Lilah and Reignah. Richard was a loving big brother to his sister, Kathy.
Fondly known as Papa Bear by his grandchildren, Richard had a plan to build a fort in the back yard with a zip line. The grandkids have been collecting locks and ammunition for bear hunting. Before Papa went to Heaven, he said, "as soon as I get home we have to get the fort built". In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to fulfill Papa's wish to create a fort outlook for all of his grandchildren. For donations, please copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.gofundme.com/papa-bears-outlook
Richard lived his life in service to his Lord, his family and his friends. He loved family time, especially with his grandbabies. He also loved snacking during the night, eating chocolate and being a clown. His wife Mary’s antics always made him laugh. Richard leaves behind a legacy of love. He taught those around him that nothing came before God and family. Richard will be missed by all of those who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life for Richard, will be held Friday, March 15, 2019 at 4:00 PM at Tomoka Christian Church, 1450 Hand Avenue, Ormond Beach, FL 32714.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at: www.VolusiaMemorialFuneral.com for the Pignato family.
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