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https://pruddenandkandt.com/tribute/details/3996/John-Pitrello/obituary.html#tribute-start
Obituary of John T. Pitrello
John ”Tate” Pitrello passed away January 14, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo. He was born March 30, 1948 in Rochester NY to parents Carme and Dorothy (Porter) Pitrello. Tate spent much of his life serving and volunteering in the community. He wore many hats from baseball coach at Ray Lee to 8 years as city Alderman and 21 years as a Police Board member. He most recently worked as a judge for NY state wage board. He was a man of many gifts, full of charisma and character. He loved and was so proud to be part of this city. Those who knew him well felt his passion for many things but any encounter with him would likely find you talking about the Bills, the Dodgers, the Lockport Ice Arena or horse racing. Tate never met a stranger and he leaves this legacy behind.
Tate is survived by wife Janet (McCabe) Pitrello, daughters Michelle (late Robert) Fellenz, Julie Pitrello, step-son Tracey Maracle Pitrello, grandson Cameron Albee, siblings Mike Pitrello and the late Carme Pitrello, Gloria Booth and Darlene Hunt. He is also survived by an uncle, nephews and nieces.
Private services will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation on his behalf to the Lockport Ice Arena, 1 Grigg Lewis Way, Lockport, NY 14094 would be appreciated.
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Aloha Friends,
On a personal note, I have so many wonderful childhood memories of my very special friendship with Tate---some as vivid as if they happened just yesterday and many others tucked into the recesses of my mind, hopefully, to be enjoyed at unexpected times in the days, weeks, months and years ahead---the reality is there's always been and will always be only one Tate and we can all be thankful that he came into our lives---I know I truly am---Aloha and Godspeed my dear friend until we meet again!!!
Go Bills Win One For Tate,
Chris
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William Agronin
Tate was a unique and wonderful person. He did a great deal for Lockport and will be missed by many, many people. He was a friend and mentor to many. RIP Tate
Chris Dix
My sincere apologies to Tate for not being able to post this picture of him, which appears on the UNION SUN & JOURNAL and Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home websites, before now.
In addition, this same photo is featured on the Cornerstone CFCU Arena website along with the following heartfelt tribute from the Arena's Executive Director, Shelley Unocic:
We mourn our loss and celebrate the life of one of our founding board members, Tate Pitrello.
It has been a tough week for all of us at Cornerstone Arena, after learning of Tate's passing.
You would be hard-pressed to find a guy who loved hockey and the City of Lockport more than he did. Tate would do anything for anyone, without expecting anything in return.
The first time Tate introduced himself, he handed me his business card and said, "Anything you need, let me know and I'll get it handled." I knew I could count on him to see it through every time. He never let me down.
Over the past year, I've missed him stopping by to check on the arena and ask how things are going. He loved this arena, loved watching kids play hockey and loved that he was part of making it all happen in his hometown. The last time he was here was Hockey Day in Lockport, 2019. Surrounded by much of his family, Tate heard Mike Landers announce he'd earned his place in the Howell Motors Hockey Hall of Fame, as part of the class of 2020. Tate was overcome with emotion, not expecting any recognition for his efforts of the past decade and a half.
We look forward to being able to hold the induction ceremony in 2021 and properly honoring the entire class.
On behalf of the Lockport Ice board, I am humbled that his family has chosen Cornerstone Arena to direct memoriam donations in his honor. Donations can be made to Lockport Ice Arena, and mailed to 1 Grigg Lewis Way, Lockport, NY 14094.
You will be deeply missed, my friend.
Lisa Sieg
God speed my friend...the world will not be the same without youDorcas Clapsattle (Kershaw)
Jim and I am so sorry to here of Tate's passing. He was a friend since our childhood. He was always kind & and we were blessed to call him friend. Before our last reunion we heard he was not coming. I reached out to him on Facebook and encouraged him to come. It was so wonderful to see him one more time. We spent sometime talking about our lives. Tate we know you will be missed by many. 💟✝️💟
David Ulrich
Chris' description that Tate "never met a stranger" was perfect. As a "Lockport Lifer" he knew more area people than anyone I knew....4 generations....and was a great raconteur who had a colorful story about all of us. He was loved by all who knew him.
Susan Fabian (Bernardi)
I will always remember Tate as a long time friend who would never hesitate to stop and chat.
He was proud of Lockport and the community. Tate worked tirelessly to build the new Cornerstone arena and. to bring back ice hockey.Tate was a huge Bills fan and today I drove past his house and it was adorned with Bills flags,helmets and signs. I'am rooting for the Bills Sunday and hope they win for all of Western NY and Tate cheering from above.Go Bills.
John Bernardi
I was deeply saddened when I received the call that Tate had passed. He was always a proud Lockportian serving the community in which he lived and was instrumental in his relentless pursuit to make the Cornerstone Arena a reality and bringing Ice hockey and skating back to Lockport. He was rightly honored, being inducted into the Howell Motors Lockport Hockey Hall of Fame. Lockport has benefitted greatly and will continue to do so because of Tate's involvement in our community. Tate, for all of us who had the pleasure of knowing you and called you friend and for all of Lockport, you will be sadly missed.
Henry Nevins
Years ago it was Sears, then Twin Fair and, for awhile, Super Duper. Then it sat empty - for years. Now it's a world class hockey and ice skating arena - right there in downtown Lockport. And, we can thank our classmate, John "Tate" Pitrello, and his dedicated colleagues who worked so hard to see that dream realized. But, Cornerstone Arena is just one piece of the Pitrello legacy in Lockport. He served the city on the common council and police board. He was a coach and mentor. His phone numbers are in my cell. And there they will stay - to remind me that "Tate" was my friend. And I miss him. =HN=