Tony Pecoraro

He was born August 10, 1925, to Filippo and Grazia (nee: Passanante) Pecoraro. He married his only love, Betty Joan Conklin, on April 15, 1951. They had 46 fun and loving years together before Joan passed away from pancreatic cancer. Together they raised nine children.

Beloved husband of the late Betty Joan (nee; Conklin) Pecoraro; adored father of Tony (Mary), Laura (Gary) Ambersley, Fran (Dave) Wirtz, Jim (Sheree), Joyce (Bob Miller), JoAnn (Nick) Martorelli, John, Steve (Laura), and Gina (Phil Ramirez); dear brother of Joe, and the late John, Patrice Tallo, Frances Bowman, Phil, Bill Patterson, and Frank Patterson; adored grandfather to 23, and one deceased grandson Scott A. Wirtz; great-grandfather to 33; great-great-grandfather to one; brother-in-law, uncle, god-father, friend, and mentor to many.

Tony was a WWII veteran of the United States Navy where he served on the USS Honolulu, CL48, and was awarded six battle stars during his 15 months in the South Pacific, 1943-1945. After Tony’s discharge, he worked for the Chase Candy Company and played baseball for the company. Tony enjoyed reminiscing about how the candy was stretched, dyed, and twisted into old-fashioned Christmas candy. He was proud of his creations and that he was the youngest designer to make the candy. Tony later worked for and retired from the National Record Center in St. Louis. In retirement, Tony continued his side business, TP Printing Services, where he provided printing for local businesses, friends, and family. He was a life member of VFW Post #1300, Granite City, IL; American Legion, Maryland Heights; DAV, Chapter 53, St. Louis County; Knights of Columbus Fatima Council #4429, Hazelwood; NARFE (National Assn. of Retired Federal Employees) Chapter 1240.

Tony had many passions during his long life span. An avid competitor, Tony loved bowling, playing softball, basketball, horseshoes, washers, and slot machines. There were many years of competitive playing in the backyard. Tony also found joy in dancing, coin collecting, gardening, and cooking. Family and Friends loved his Sicilian sausage, Bruciuluni, and meatballs served with his famous spaghetti sauce. Family reunions would not be the same without his BBQ Ribs soaked in sauce until the meat fell off the bone. His home improvement projects were epic. Tony’s home had everything a large family needed due to his carpentry and electrical skills. As his children left the home, you would find Tony helping them with their homes. He loved watching Cardinal baseball, fishing, and boating, but mostly loved having his family close by and united. He started the annual Pecoraro Family reunion in the early 70s, at his home, until it grew large enough to host at a park. Christmas Eve at the Pecoraro’s with family and friends was packed and the smell of meatballs and sausage simmering on the stove drifted through the home. Weeks before Christmas Tony would make his famous Sicilian sausage to gift to others. To this day, the sausage-making tradition has continued with his sons, sons-in-law, and several grandchildren.

If you ever met Tony, you wanted to continue to be around him and listen to stories of his younger years in the 30s and 40s, war stories, or get advice and his strong opinion on many topics he was an expert. Tony was a self-educated man and one of the wisest. He passed on his wisdom to those fortunate enough to listen. He believed in showing affection and expressing his love through words, hugs, and kisses. Family, cooking, sport, helping one another, love, and loyalty are the legacy Tony Pecoraro left behind. He will not be forgotten! We will miss him dearly, but know he is with his heavenly father and reunited with his wife, family, and friends.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: www.GSLhonorflight.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kriegshausermortuary.com for the Pecoraro family.