Descendants of Pietro Pecora
Generation No. 1
1. Pietro1 Pecora He married Teresa Caggiano.
Children of Pietro Pecora and Teresa Caggiano are:
+ 2 i. Giuseppe Nicola2 Pecora, born October 14, 1848 in San Rufo, Campania, Italy; died March 30, 1911 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
3 ii. Mary Grace Pecora, born December 02, 1867 in Italy; died March 27, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married Carmine Paone.
More About Mary Grace Pecora:
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Generation No. 2
2. Giuseppe Nicola2 Pecora (Pietro1) was born October 14, 1848 in San Rufo, Campania, Italy, and died March 30, 1911 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Gaetana Spinelli Abt. 1878, daughter of Pasquale Spinelli and Carmina Delvina. She was born February 02, 1862 in San Rufo, Campania, Italy, and died October 02, 1937 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Giuseppe Nicola Pecora:
Petition for Naturalization, District Court of the United States for the Western District of Pennsylvania
No. 1617, March 24, 1908
Giuseppi Nicola Pecora, 11 Meadow Street, Pittsburgh. Stonecutter.
Born October 4, 1808 at ?Pittsburgh.
Arrived in New York June 6, 1898, on the "Kaiser Willhelm" out of Naples.
Arrived in Pennsylvania January 30, 1914.
Declared intention to become a citizen October 12, ? at Pittsburgh in the District Court of U.S.
Married, wife Gaetnella, born in San Rufo, Italy, living with him.
8 children, all born in San Rufo and residing in Pittsburgh: Peter, Sept. 10, 1998; Teresa, Oct. 15, 1885; Palcale, Jan. 0, 1888; Carmela, Dec. 29, 1890; Filmina, Feb. 16, 1892; Francesco, ?Mar. 28, 1894; Rosa, Jun. 16, 1896; Aristio, Mar 2, 1898.
Witnesses were F. A. Petrone, plummer, and Pietro Pecora, stonecutter, both of Pittsburgh.
1910 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 12 ED 435 Family 198, 505 McDonald St.
Joseph Pecora, 60, m1 32y, IT IT IT, arr 1900, retired
Gaetana, 48, m1 32y, 9 children 8 living, IT IT IT, arr 1903; Pietro, 27, stone cutter; Pasquale, 19, street car conductor; Filomena,
15; Frank, 12; Rosina, 10; Ersilia, 8 (all children born IT, all arrived 1903)
More About Giuseppe Nicola Pecora:
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
More About Gaetana Spinelli:
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Giuseppe Pecora and Gaetana Spinelli are:
+ 4 i. Pietro Antonio3 Pecora, born September 12, 1883 in San Rufo, Campania, Italy; died November 16, 1971.
5 ii. Teresa Pecora, born October 15, 1885 in San Rufo, Campania, Italy; died Bef. May 1970. She married (Husband) Durante.
6 iii. Carmella Pecora, born January 30, 1888 in San Rufo, Campania, Italy; died Bef. May 1970. She married (Husband) Petrone.
+ 7 iv. Charles A. (Pasquale) Pecora, born December 28, 1891 in San Ruffo, Campania, Italy; died May 20, 1970 in Chester, Hancock Co., West Virginia.
8 v. Filomena "Minnie" Pecora, born February 16, 1892 in San Rufo, Campania, Italy. She married (Husband) Ricci.
+ 9 vi. Frank Louis Pecora, born March 29, 1894 in San Rufo, Campania, Italy; died October 30, 1981 in Edgewood, Allegheny Co., Pa..
+ 10 vii. Rosina Pecora, born June 16, 1896 in San Rufo, Campania, Italy; died November 26, 1981.
11 viii. Ursula Pecora, born March 02, 1898 in San Rufo, Campania, Italy.
Generation No. 3
4. Pietro Antonio3 Pecora (Giuseppe Nicola2, Pietro1) was born September 12, 1883 in San Rufo, Campania, Italy, and died November 16, 1971. He married Josephine Tomasino May 02, 1912 in Our Lady Help of Christians RC Church, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. She was born December 16, 1895 in Italy, and died December 1975.
Notes for Pietro Antonio Pecora:
WWI Draft Registration Card
Peter Pecora, 527 Paulson, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Age 35, born Sept. 10, 1883 in Italy
Macinist for Westinghouse Electric, Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh
Josephine Pecora, same address
Registered Sept. 12, 1918
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 12 ED 196 Family 49, 140 Auburn St.
Pete Pecora, 48, m at 30, IT IT IT, arr 1911, laborer for city
Josephine, 35, m at 17, IT IT IT, arr 1910; Nellie, 17; Elsie, 14; Rose, 12; Evelyn, 9; Gloria, 3; Delores, 8/10
WWII Draft Registration 1942
Peter Anthony Pecora, 114 Auburn St., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Age 59, born Sept. 15, 1883 in Italy
Mrs. Josephine Pecora, same address.
Employed by W.P.A. 1818 Locust St., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Children of Pietro Pecora and Josephine Tomasino are:
+ 12 i. Nellie4 Pecora, born February 15, 1913; died September 1982.
13 ii. Elsie Pecora, born May 24, 1915; died September 15, 2010. She married Salvatore Francis Pratillo June 09, 1937 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; born July 18, 1910 in Pennsylvania; died April 26, 1991 in ?Santa Cruz Co., California.
14 iii. Rose Josephine Pecora, born November 11, 1917 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died October 21, 2002 in Of East Liverpool, Columbiana Co., Ohio. She married Ferdinand "Pete" Strauch 1938; born January 26, 1908 in Weona, Illinois.
Notes for Rose Josephine Pecora:
STRAUCH
ROSE J. (PECORA)
Formerly of East Liberty, on Monday, October 21, 2002, beloved wife of the late Ferdinand "Pete"; mother of Pamela McGahan and husband Thomas, Emil "Skip" and wife Dolly, Robert and wife Marie, and Art Strauch and wife Judy; sister of Elsie Pratillo, Evelyn Doss, Gloria Franco, Dolores Leone and the late Nellie Knapp, Joseph and Peter "P.K." Pecora; also survived by 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Friends received WILLIAM F. GROSS FUNERAL HOME, LTD., 11735 Frankstown Road (at Rodi Road) Penn Hills Tuesday, 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral Wednesday, 10am. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Bernadette Church at 10:30am.
15 iv. Evelyn R. Pecora, born June 28, 1920 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died April 24, 2011. She married Herman A. Doss August 26, 1940 in Northside, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; born Abt. 1917; died July 08, 2007.
Notes for Evelyn R. Pecora:
Evelyn R. (Pecora) Doss, age 90, formerly of Shaler Township, on Sunday, April 24, 2011. Born in Pittsburgh, PA on June 28, 1920, daughter of the late Peter and Josephine (Thomasina) Pecora. Beloved wife of the late Herman A. Doss; loving mother of Beth (Lee) Fischer and Janice (Don) Phillips; dear sister of Gloria Franco and Dolores Leone and the late Nellie Knappi, Elsie Pratillo, Rose Strauch and Peter Pecora, Jr.; loving grandmother of six grandchildren; and eight great- grandchildren. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service in the First English Lutheran Church of Sharpsburg on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Allegheny County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to First English Lutheran Church of Sharpsburg, 125 North Main Street, Sharpsburg, PA 15215. Arrangements entrusted to SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME, INC., West View.
More About Evelyn R. Pecora:
Burial: Allegheny County Memorial Park, McCandless Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa.
16 v. Joseph Pecora, born April 20, 1924 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died March 24, 1926 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
More About Joseph Pecora:
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.
17 vi. Gloria Pecora, born December 07, 1926 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married Dominic C. Franco 1946; born February 21, 1923 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died March 16, 2000.
18 vii. Dolores J. Pecora, born July 13, 1929 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married Frank N. Leone 1950; born December 19, 1918 in McKees Rocks, Allegheny Co., Pa..
+ 19 viii. Peter Joseph "P. K." Pecora, born August 15, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died August 06, 1999.
7. Charles A. (Pasquale)3 Pecora (Giuseppe Nicola2, Pietro1) was born December 28, 1891 in San Ruffo, Campania, Italy, and died May 20, 1970 in Chester, Hancock Co., West Virginia. He married Emilia Sequino Abt. 1915. She was born Abt. 1894 in Naples, Campania, Italy, and died December 28, 1968 in East Liverpool, Columbiana Co., Ohio.
Notes for Charles A. (Pasquale) Pecora:
Petition for Naturalization, District Court of the United States for the Western District of Pennsylvania
No. 11036, January 26, 1914
Pasquale Pecora, 505 McDonald St., Pittsburgh. Barber
Born December 28, 1892 in San Rufo, Italy
Arrived in Boston, Feburary 10, 1904, on the "Republic" out of Naples.
Arrived in Pennsylvania February 12, 1904.
Declared intention [his father] to become a citizen Oct. 12, 1904 at Pittsburgh in the District Court of U.S.
Not married.
Witnesses were E. S. Cook and Pietro Pecora, both inspectors residing in Pittsburgh.
WWI Draft Registration Card
Pasquale Pecora, 505 McDonald, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Abe 25, born Dec. 28, 1891 in D'Rufo, Delucio?, Italy
Married. (employment unreadable)
1920 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 12 ED 510 Family 47, 505 McDonald St.
Charles Picara, 28, IT IT IT, arr 1904, self-employed barber
Amelia, 24, IT IT IT, arr 1910; Ursula, 3; Joseph, 1/12; Gaetana, mil, 55, widow, IT; Frank, bro, 22
1930 CENSUS PA Allegheny Co. Pittsburgh Ward 12 ED 196 Family 48, 140 Auburn St.
Charles A. Pecora, 36, m at 21, IT IT IT, arr 1910, self-employed barber
Amelia, 36, m at 21, IT IT IT, arr 1910; Elsie, 13; Joseph, 10; Vincent, 5; Charles, 1
WWII Draft Registration 1942
Pasquale Pecora, 173 Carver St., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Age 50, born December 29, 1891 in Italy
Wife, same address.
Employed by Allegheny County at Blawnox, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Had a hungting camp in Tionesta.
PECORA, suddenly, on Wednesday, May 20, 1970, Charles Sr., beloved husbandof the late Emelia; father of Joseph, Vincent, Charles Jr., Richard and the late Elsie Robinson; brother of Peter, Frank, Rose Melinaa, Minnie Ricci and the late Theresa Durante and Carmella petrone; also 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the Michael F. DeRosa Mortuary, Paulson Ave. (at Winslaw St.), until Saturday at 9 a.m. Requiem high mass at Our Lady Help of Christian Church at 9:30 a.m.
More About Charles A. (Pasquale) Pecora:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
More About Emilia Sequino:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Charles Pecora and Emilia Sequino are:
20 i. Ursola Elsie4 Pecora, born Abt. 1917; died Bef. May 1970. She married (Husband) Robinson.
+ 21 ii. Joseph Nicholas "Jo Jo" Pecora, born December 12, 1919 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died March 03, 1987 in Boca Raton, Palm Beach Co., Florida.
22 iii. Vincent James Pecora, born June 28, 1922 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died January 06, 1994 in Saint Lucie, Florida. He married (1) Josephine Amato October 09, 1941 in Allegheny Co., Pa.; born February 20, 1920 in Wilkinsburg, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married (2) Elnor Frances Spooner March 31, 1968 in Moundsville, Marshall Co., West Virginia; born December 05, 1928 in Beaver Co., Pa..
Notes for Vincent James Pecora:
Of Penn Hills
1948 numbers arrest, with Alfred Persichetti.
1957 raid at Club 30, Chester, West Virginia.
More About Vincent James Pecora:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
+ 23 iv. Charles Nicholas "PK" Pecora, born August 25, 1928 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died July 27, 1997.
24 v. Richard P. Pecora, born March 18, 1938. He married Patricia (Pecora); born November 27, 1940.
Notes for Richard P. Pecora:
? in Florida
9. Frank Louis3 Pecora (Giuseppe Nicola2, Pietro1) was born March 29, 1894 in San Rufo, Campania, Italy, and died October 30, 1981 in Edgewood, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Elizabeth Cristillo 1928. She was born Abt. 1908 in Italy, and died December 18, 1992 in Wilkinsburg, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Frank Louis Pecora:
WWI Draft Registration Card
Frank Pecora, 505 McDonald St., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Age 28, born March 29, 1987 in Naples, Italy
Employed by Westinghouse E & M Co., East Pittsburgh, Pa.
Gettina Pecora, same address
Registeed June 5, 1918
Petition for Naturalization, District Court of the United States for the Western District of Pennsylvania
No. 41866, March 30, 1922
Frank Louis Pecora, 505 McDonald Street, Pittsburgh. Chauffeur.
Born March 28, 1987 in San Rufo, Italy.
Arrived in New York May 24, 1904, on the "Hamburg" out of Naples.
Arrived in Pennsylvania May 26, 1904.
Declared intention to become a citizen March 16, 1920 at Pittsburgh in the District Court of U.S.
Unmarried.
Witnesses were Pasquale Pecora, barber, and Antonio Lepardo, Shoemaker, both of Pittsburgh.
State Sen. Pecora's Father, 84, Dies, The Pittsburgh Press, October 31, 1981
Frank L. Pecora, retired vice president of the Pittsburgh Burial Vault Co. in the South Side, died yesterday at his residence in Edgewood. Mr. Pecora, 84, of 102 Ivy St., was a native of Naples, Italy. He was a member of the Madonna Del Castello Catholic Church and the Sergeant Basilone Lodge of the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Cristillo Pecora; a daughter, Eleanor DeBellis of Edgewood; two sons, state Sen. Frank A. Pecora, R-Penn Hills, and Joseph Pecora of Penn HIlls; a sister, Rose Melena; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today and tomorrow at Morasssco-Knee-Soxman LTD Funeral HOme, 9406 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills. Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Monday in Madonna Del Castello Catholic Church, South Braddock and Westmoreland avenues, Swissvale. Burial will be in Restland Memorial Park, Monroeville.
More About Frank Louis Pecora:
Burial: Restland Memorial Park, Monroeville, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Elizabeth Cristillo:
Elizabeth Pecora, 84, of Edgewood, mother of state Sen. Frank A. Pecora, died Friday, Dec. 18, 1992, in Forbes Metropolitan Health Center, Wilkinsburg. She was born Sept. 8, 1908, in Italy, a daughter of the late Pasquale and Frances Santopietro Cristillo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Joseph Cristillo; and a sister, Angelina Pagano. She is survived by two sons, Sen. Frank A. Pecora and Joseph Pecora, both of Penn Hills; and a daughter, Eleanor DeBellis of Edgewood; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Friends will be received in the SOXMAN FUNERAL HOME, 9406 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills, Sunday and Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Madonna del Castello Church, Edgewood.
Children of Frank Pecora and Elizabeth Cristillo are:
+ 25 i. Joseph "Sonny"4 Pecora, born April 17, 1935 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died April 09, 2000.
+ 26 ii. Frank A. Pecora, born August 08, 1930 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died June 12, 2017 in Penns Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa..
+ 27 iii. Eleanor Pecora, born October 05, 1931 in East Liberty, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died June 19, 2008 in New Castle, Lawrence Co., Pa..
10. Rosina3 Pecora (Giuseppe Nicola2, Pietro1) was born June 16, 1896 in San Rufo, Campania, Italy, and died November 26, 1981. She married James Malena.
Notes for Rosina Pecora:
MALENA (PECORA), of Monroeville, on Thurs., November 26, 1981, Rose; beloved wife of the late james; mother of Mrs. Julia Hammer & Herky Malena' also four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; sister of (all deceased) Theresa Durante, Mary Petrone, Minnie Ricci, Elsie Pecora, Pete, Charles & Frank pecoraa; Friends received at Gene H. Corl, Inc. of Monroeville, 4335 Northern Pike (one block east of Mosside Blvd.-Rte. 48). Mass of Christian Burial in North American Martyrs Church on Monday, 110:30 a.m. Visitation 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.
Children of Rosina Pecora and James Malena are:
28 i. Julia4 Malena. She married (Husband) Hammer.
29 ii. Herky Malena.
Generation No. 4
12. Nellie4 Pecora (Pietro Antonio3, Giuseppe Nicola2, Pietro1) was born February 15, 1913, and died September 1982. She married Nicolo Nappi, son of Lucco Nappi and Maddelena Amato. He was born March 06, 1904 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died March 1977 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Children of Nellie Pecora and Nicolo Nappi are:
+ 30 i. Madeline5 Nappi, born November 30, 1935 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
31 ii. Yvonne Nappi. She married Anthony "Nino" Siciliano; born December 11, 1942; died August 21, 1978 in Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Anthony "Nino" Siciliano:
1975 conviction in Wichita, Kansas, of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle.
Accused in one of the massage parlor murders, that of Anthony "Bobby" Pugh, circa 1978. Brother-in-law of Nick DeLucia. Part-time manager of a McKees Rocks massage parlor.
SICILIANO DEATH RULED NATURAL HEART FAILURE
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, Pa., by Joyce Gemperlein
August 24, 1978
Anthony "Nino" Siciliano, who police though participated in a rough-and-tumble world of massage parlors and murder, died naturally of heart failure aggravated by stress, hard drinking and overeating. The conclusion was announced yesterday by Dr. Cyril Wecht, Allegheny County coroner. Wecht also stressed that most traces of drugs found in Siciliano's blood have been attributed to medicines administered during revival efforts at North Hills Passavant Hospital, where he lay unconscious for 10 days. "Therapeutic" doses of the mild tranquilizers Valium and Librium were found in the blood, but Wecht said Siciliano, 34, had taken these drugs Aug. 11 - the night he was hospitalized - to quiet his nerves.
Siciliano, the father of four, died Monday. At least part of his anxieties were caused by his anticipation of a Sept. 11 trial in which he was accused of murdering Anthony Pugh last Dec. 16 at a Green Tree apartment. Pugh was a local massage parlor figure and gambler who was shot to death in what some police officials theorize was a battle for control of the local massage parlor business.
Wecht said the official cause of Siciliano's death will be "cardiac arrhythmia," a term denoting the abnormal beating of the heart that leads to death in certain instances. The coroner also noted that Sicilian suffered from a 95 percent hardening of a major artery leading to the heart, had gained some 20 pounds since his arrest and had been drinking heavily. Wecht said interviews with Yvonne, Siciliano's wife, indicated the victim drank two glasses of Drambuie, a cordial, the evening before he became ill. Preliminary reports indicated Siciliano's liver reflected ingestion of liquor over a period of time but did not show heavy drinking on the day of the attack.
Siciliano was reared in East Liberty and at one time worked for a local home remodeling business. Police reports show him at one time working for Nick DeLucia, a massage parlor owner and former city fireman. Siciliano's wife is the sister of DeLucia's wife.
Robert Meinert, head of the county's homicide task force, said yesterday that his department's investigation into Siciliano's death is closed because of Wecht's findings. However, Meinert replied "no comment" when asked if the investigation into Pugh's death would continue.
Siciliano, who could neither read nor write, had pleaded not guilty to the crime. His attorneys and other friend contended he was a likeable, mild-natured person who could not have executed Pugh. The district attorney's only witness against Siciliano - aside from circumstantial evidence - was George Bastian, an ex-convict who is scheduled for trial Sept. 11 on charges that he tried to extort money from an attorney involved in Siciliano's defense.
A Friday funeral for Siciliano is being handled by the Charles W. Tranz Funeral Home, Frankstown Road, Penn Hills, but his family and friends are not releasing details in the hope that the ceremony can be held private.
dsicily , Feb 2013
Hello, I stumbled on this site because I was searching for answers. I was remembering my times at the Holiday House. I Google searched it. Some how I was led to this site and the many posts with names that are familiar in my life and my search for answers. I'm the daughter who's dad was in the middle of the Massage Parlor wars back in the 70's. I won't say who. My Grandfather was at the Appalachian mountains gathering, there are pics. Not sure if he was at any level.
That whole massage parlor thing left a lasting impression on my siblings too. I have answers to a lot of questions surrounding my father death. I blocked out a lot of things and they have been coming back for many years!
Anybody have any input on the subject? Thanks!
dsicily, 2/27/13
It was a war. When a guy named George Lee who owned the Parlors was murdered, the fight over who would take over started with that bomb. I was able to piece together all that I remember by searching the Google archives. I'm not sure there was a connection to the mob but, I was able to search the achieves with the names I remember.
During that time I was taken out of school along with my siblings and put in hiding for what felt like an eternity. I remember taking a drive with my dad in a van and had to get on the floor while he dodged bullets. Driving crazy all through the neighborhood to get away. We were just going to Isley's deli.
Names in my memory that I would like to just forget are Nick Delucia and his creepy drug addict son.
They killed my dad. I heard the name chucky Porter a lot when my dad would talk around family. I remember Jo Jo Pecora from going to his family's house on holidays (related by marriage).
I wanted to see if there was a connection to any organized crime. I read lots of articles and the speculation was, that it was. With the names I heard during the short time I had with my dad and the stuff us children had to deal with, it was something. Maybe Nick Delucia was a wannabe! maybe those parlors were insignificant to the mob at the time. They generated a lot of money still to fight over. I spent three months out of school stuck at Nick Delucias house. I heard a lot and saw a lot. I blocked it out after we left Pittsburgh in 1979, I was 14. I have a chip on my shoulder now, I had it for a long time. I guess its to late to do anything about it.
I lost my dad over it! And it wasn't natural causes! Thanks for your reply!
19. Peter Joseph "P. K."4 Pecora (Pietro Antonio3, Giuseppe Nicola2, Pietro1) was born August 15, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died August 06, 1999. He married Pauline Stumpf April 12, 1958.
Notes for Peter Joseph "P. K." Pecora:
PECORA, Peter J. (Sonny PK), on Fri. Aug. 6, 1999, born Augg. 15, 1932; beloved father of Lisa pecora of Sarasota, FL, Laina Schechtman of Delmar, CA, Paula DiGeronimo of Independence, OH and his only son Peter J. Pecora Jr.; previously married to Pauline Stumpf; beloved brother of Elsie Pratillo of CA, Rose Strauch of Monroeville, Evelyn Doss of North Hills, Gloria Franco of Verona, Dolores Leone of Crafton and the late Nellie Knapp; son of the late peter Sr. and Josephine (Tomasino) Pecora of Auburn St., East Liberty; Pap Pap PK of Adam and Arielle Schectman, Krysta Ramey and Gionna DiGeronimo and Vienna Pecora. Army Veteran of Korean War. he will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends. God Rest His Soul. Friends received Sun. & Mon. 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at Soxman Funeral Homes Ltd., Morasco Chapel, 9406 Frankstown Road (Near Graham Blvd.) Penn Hills. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Bartholomew Church on Tues. at 10 a.m. Interment in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
More About Peter Joseph "P. K." Pecora:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Peter Pecora and Pauline Stumpf are:
32 i. Lisa5 Pecora.
33 ii. Laina Pecora.
34 iii. Paula Pecora.
35 iv. Peter J. Pecora.
21. Joseph Nicholas "Jo Jo"4 Pecora (Charles A. (Pasquale)3, Giuseppe Nicola2, Pietro1) was born December 12, 1919 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died March 03, 1987 in Boca Raton, Palm Beach Co., Florida. He married Concetta J. Scaringi February 22, 1941 in Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, daughter of Bonaventuro Sgaringi and Marianna Semarraro. She was born March 09, 1918, and died May 21, 2012.
Notes for Joseph Nicholas "Jo Jo" Pecora:
Started out in the 1940s as a business agent for Local 178 of the Wreckers and Scrap Iron Workers.
Arrested for numbers in 1946.
Pecora was a former underboss of the LaRocca/Genovese LCN Family who operated LaRocca's gambling enterprises in West Virginia. Pecora was convicted of racketeering [in West Virginia] and in 1979 was sentenced to five years in federal prison. When he died in 1987, Charles "Chuckie" Porter became underboss. (PCC 83, 90)
Joseph "Jo Jo" Pecora, Pittsburgh Family underboss from 1981-1987. Jo Jo was actually chosen as John LaRocca's successor but had to serve 5 years in the federal country club for a RICO conviction. He oversaw all the illegal gambling in the panhandle of West Virginia, just over the Pennsylvania border. Jo Jo was known as a man of the people, was very well liked and would avoid violence unless absolutely necessary. jcb 2014
Joseph Pecora was a legendary loanshark and labor racketeer for the Pittsburgh family. Once described as controlling gambling in the panhandle area of West Virginia. In 1979 Pecora and the prosecuting attorney for Hancock County, WV were found guilty for illegal gambling and tampering with evidence. Both were fined $10,000 and sentenced to five years.
Girlfriend Deloris Dee Santorelli.
"As I previously stated: Henry was part of Jo Jo's original crew. He went with Joe to West Virginia. He built a really nice ranch home not far from the clubs and lived with his second wife, Sheila and raised their daughters.
"Henry started as a bus-boy at Club 30 then as pit-boss at theJockey Club and finally as Casino Manager at the Red Dog. After the clubs closed in West Virginia, he was the Jo Jo's go between with Paul Hankish, Pat Ferruccio and Lenny Strollo. He and Pat were avid stamp collectors
![Wink ;-)](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)
"As the All-American Club in Campbell grew into one of the highest grossing casinos outside of Las Vegas, he was assigned to protect Pittsburgh's sizeable interests.It was under Lenny's control and managed by his lifelong friend, Bernie the Jew. Bernie, a degenerate gambler, real tough guy and loose cannon, became harder to manage. Thus Zebo, one of the very few that Bernie feared and more important, respected, spent most of his evenings at the club.
"After Joey Naples death, Lenny really got too full of himself. BTW: Lenny didn't order Joey's demise. Michael grew concerned that Lenny would really go off the rails and insisted that Zebo be made. After-all, how could/would Lenny, a made man himself, take orders from a non made man?
"Henry never wanted to be made as he always felt he didn't need a target on his back, just let me make money. As I learned in later years, Henry always felt that Jo Jo held him back because he refused to be made. He always felt that he didn't make the kind of money he deserved and realized that this was his opportunity. If fact he told me he never made any real money until Michael took over.
"Ultimately his dream was the casino on the Indian reservation. All of that came to an end with Chuckie. Additionally Henry was diagnosed with a terminal bone cancer. He was placed on a donor list but felt that one of his "close" FBI friends may have held him back. Thus his early death ;-(" Friend of Henry, gangsterbb.net
MAFIA HERE LOSES ANOTHER LEADER WITH DEATH OF 'UNDERBOSS' PECORA
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, Pa., by Bill Moushey
March 5, 1987
This region's aging top Mafia leadership lost its third member in seven years this week when Joseph N. "Jo Jo" Pecora died in his sleep in south Florida. Pecora, 62, listed by the Pennsylvania Crime Commission for the past three years as "underboss" or second-in-command to Michael J. Genovese in the Western Pennsylvania crime family, was found by his wife, Concetta, at 8 a.m. Tuesday in their Boca Raton home. A spokesman for the Palm Beach County medical examiner's office said Pecora's death was caused by heart disease due to hypertension. There was no autopsy because there was no indication of foul play.
His death follows those of "godfather" John Sebastian LaRocca, who died in 1984, and Gabriel "Kelly" Mannarino, the mob's former underboss, in 1980.
Pecora's death creates a leadership vacuum in the area's organized crime family, but law enforcement officials say that is but one of many problems the Mafia has had to face in recent years. "The Pittsburgh family is like any other La Cosa Nostra family in America - it's in a state of flux because of aging membership" said Christopher DeCree, special agent in charge of the Crime Commission's Western Region. "They are growing old and dying off, and it does not seem that people are knocking down the doors to become members because there is a lot of independence. People figure, 'Why should I give this organized guy money when I can just keep it all for myself?'" DeCree said.
DeCree would not speculate on Pecora's successor. If Mafia protocol is adhered to, the new underboss will be one of three lieutenants in the Pittsburgh family. They are John Bazzano Jr., 61; Antonio Ripepi, 84; and Joseph Regino, 81, according to the commission. If they are bypassed, one of several men the commission identified as "soldiers" in the family could be tapped: Frank D. Amato Jr., Thomas A. "Sonny" Ciancutti, Louis Volpe, Joseph Sica, Michael J. Traficante, John M. Verilla and Samuel J. Fashion (Fashionetta).
Pecora, who controlled rackets in the northern panhandle of West Virginia, was nearly named to head the Pittsburgh family after LaRocca's death in 1984, DeCree said. But other members argued against him because Pecora's parole on a 1981 federal racketeering conviction barred him from leaving Hancock County, W.Va., where he resided. Pecora completed his parole last March. Pecora had been a business agent for Local 178 of the Wreckers and Scrap Iron Workers union. The Crime Commission said he moved from Pittsburgh to Chester, W.Va., in the early 1960s to help LaRocca solidify control of illegal gambling and other criminal activities there.
Over the years, the Crime Commission has listed Pecora's underworld business involvements. It says Pecora was involved in a West Virginia vending business, that he was a partner with Anthony A. "Wango" Capizzi of the North Hills in a mob-run Las Vegas gambling junket business and that he ran several illegal gambling clubs along a five-mile strip of Route 30 in West Virginia between the Pennsylvania and Ohio borders.
In 1979, Pecora served three years in federal prison on a racketeering conviction that involved payoffs to public officials. Upon his release the commission said he spent most of his time operating his Lakeside Mobile Park Trailer Court near his home in Chester. "As far as I'm concerned, Joe Pecora was one of the finest men I ever knew," said John Doherty, a Pittsburgh lawyer who represented Pecora in the 1979 case. "He was very kind, considerate and a fine family man. He will be missed."
Last November, Pecora's wife purchased the Boca Raton home for $106,000, a spokesman for the Palm Beach County assessor's office said.
The medical examiner said Pecora died there between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. Tuesday. His body was flown to Pittsburgh yesterday.
Surviving in addition to his wife are four daughters, Charlene Berry of Green Tree, Annabelle Signori of the North Hills, Sharon Amato of Plum and Joyce Parks of Allison Park; three brothers, Vincent of Penn Hills, Charles of Dormont and Richard of Florida; 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Friends are being received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today and tomorrow in the Morasco-Knee-Soxman Ltd. Funeral home, 9406 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills. A Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Saturday in Our Lady Help of Christians Church, East Liberty. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, Penn Hills Mall, Pittsburgh 15235.
MOB BOSS PECORA, 67, DIES IN FLORIDA
The Pittsburgh Press, by Don Hopey
March 4, 1987
Joseph N. "Jo Jo" Pecora, 67, heir-apparent to the leadership of Southwestern Pennsylvania's La Cosa Nostra, died in his sleep yesterday in Boca Raton, Fla. Law enforcement officials are uncertain what effect Pecora's death will have on organized crime in the Tri-State area or who will succeed him as the second most powerful man in the underworld operations long headed by the late John LaRocca. In 1985, the Pennsylvania Crime Commission report said former East Liberty racketeer Michael J. Genovese, who now lives in Richland, took control of LaRocca's empire after he died in December 1984.
"This is not as pivotal an event as when LaRocca died," said Christopher J. DeCree, special agent in charge of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission's western office in Pittsburgh. "Still, I wouldn't want to speculate on a successor or what's going to change in the organization."
Pecora, also a native of East Liberty and a former business agent for Local 178 of the Wreckers and Scrap Iron Workers union, built an extensive gambling network with the help of a protection pad that included more than 20 police officers and politicians in West Virginia. The 1986 Pennsylvania Crime Commission report describes Pecora, who lived in Chester, W.Va., as an "underboss" and second-in-command in the Genovese organization.
In 1949, he was charged with felonious assault and battery and violation of the firearms act for beating a non-union worker at a Hill District construction site. In the early 1960s Pecora moved from Pittsburgh to Chester, which is atop West Virginia's northern panhandle, to help LaRocca tighten his grip on illegal gambling there, according to Crime Commission reports. The reports say he turned a five-mile section of Route 30 in West Virginia into a gambling mecca. Pecora also owned a disco, a vending machine business and a trailer court. In 1979 Pecora and a prosecutor from Hancock County, W.Va., were arrested and convicted on federal racketeering charges. Pecora served nearly three years in a federal prison.
Pecora was LaRocca's right-hand man from the time LaRocca took control in 1956 and was expected to succeed him. But because Pecora was on parole from his 1979 conviction when LaRocca died, he was unable to assume control of the organization. The top spot fell to Genovese.
"Since LaRocca died, the organization has changed, but like other crime families in the U.S. it is suffering the common malady of being long in the tooth," DeCree said. "It's getting very old. There's not a lot of new blood coming in. New memberships are not being handed out readily."
Pecora recently sold his home in Pompano Beach, Fla., where the reclusive LaRocca spent most of his final years. Pecora was vacationing at his new home in Boca Raton when he died. The Palm Beach County, Fla., coroner's office placed the time of Pecora's death at between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. yesterday. Cause of death was attributed to heart disease due to hypertension. Pecora had a history of heart disease and high blood pressure, but a daughter, Charlene Barry of Green Tree, said his death was a surprise.
Robert Hewitt, a Palm Beach County coroner's investigator, said Pecora's body was found by his wife, Concetta, at 8 a.m. Hewitt said there was no indication of foul play, and no autopsy was performed. Pecora's body will be flown to Pittsburgh for the funeral and burial.
Surviving in addition to his wife and daughter are three other daughters, Annabelle Signori of the North Hills, Sharon Amato of Plum, and Joyce Parks of Allison Park; three brothers, Vincent of Penn Hills, Charles of Dormont and Richard of Florida; and 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow and Friday at the Morasco-Knee-Soxman Lts. Funeral Home, 9406 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills. Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, East Liberty. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association.
Joseph "Jo Jo" Pecora, Pittsburgh Family underboss from 1981-1987. Jo Jo was actually chosen as John LaRocca's successor but had to serve 5 years in the federal country club for a RICO conviction. He oversaw all the illegal gambling in the panhandle of West Virginia, just over the Pennsylvania border. Jo Jo was known as a man of the people, was very well liked and would avoid violence unless absolutely necessary. jcb
More About Joseph Nicholas "Jo Jo" Pecora:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Concetta J. Scaringi:
PECORA
CONCETTA "CONNIE" (SCARINGI)
Of Scott Twp., formerly of East Liberty, on Monday, May 21, 2012. Beloved wife of the late Joseph "JoJo" Pecora; loving mother of Annabelle (Alex "Chick") Signori, Charlene (Patrick) Barry, Sharon (Ronald) Amato and Joyce (Steve) Ross; sister of Cuzzie Tramontina, the late Mary Christiano, Alex Scaringi, Louise Starr, Joseph Scaringi, Lucy Bisceglia and Peggy Massimino; loving sister-in-law of Richard, Patty and Rachel Pecora; also survived by 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Connie was an avid bridge player and enjoyed traveling with her four daughters. Friends welcome Wednesday 1-9 p.m. at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday 12 p.m. St. Margaret of Scotland Church. Interment Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Verona.
More About Concetta J. Scaringi:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Joseph Pecora and Concetta Scaringi are:
36 i. Annabella5 Pecora. She married Alexander "Chick" Signori; born March 19, 1941; died March 09, 2020.
Notes for Alexander "Chick" Signori:
Alexander "Chick" Signori Sr., age 78, of Shaler Twp., on March 9, 2020. Chick was the beloved husband of Annabelle Pecora Signori; father of Jolene Schoenian (Mike), Gina Cronin (Bob), Nan Karpinski (Jim), Connie Brucker and Alexander "Chick" Signori Jr. (Michele); son of the late William and Helen Signori; brother of the late Thomas and William Signori; grandfather of Michael Schoenian, Joseph Schoenian, Cassie San Antonio (James), Jessica Karpinski, Holly Brucker (Nick Witkowski), Jennifer (Rich Weber, James Martin (Brian) and Jake Brucker, Aymara Signor; great-grandfather of Brooke, Brody, Madison, Bella Mia, Aubrey, Dominic, Sophia, Addie Mae, Ava Grace, Mason and Jaxson; also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Celebrate Chick's life with his family on Thursday from 4-8 PM at Perman Funeral Home, 923 Saxonburg Blvd. at Rte 8, Shaler Twp., where services will be held on Thursday at 8 PM.
+ 37 ii. Sherry (Sharon Ann) Pecora, born September 1945.
38 iii. Charlene Pecora, born Abt. 1947. She married Patrick (Chuck) Barry.
39 iv. Thomas Pecora, born September 12, 1948 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.; died February 10, 1949 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
More About Thomas Pecora:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
40 v. Joyce Pecora, born Abt. 1953. She married (1) Leo Parks. She married (2) Steve Ross.
23. Charles Nicholas "PK"4 Pecora (Charles A. (Pasquale)3, Giuseppe Nicola2, Pietro1) was born August 25, 1928 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died July 27, 1997. He married Rachel U. Traficante May 25, 1948 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., by Alderman Leonard A. Civill, daughter of Anthony Traficante and Cecelia Geraki. She was born June 28, 1929 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died January 15, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Charles Nicholas "PK" Pecora:
In 1960 directory, bartender at Jockey Club.
TRAINER WHO CARED ABOUT YOUTH
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 30, 1997, by Chuck Finder
Simply put, P.K. Pecora was the Cus D'Amato of local boxing. He didn't nurture any Floyd Pattersons or Mike Tysons or any world champions like the late D'Amato in New York. But he did sweep kids off streets, plunk them in a ring and give them more than just gloves and a place to hang out. He provided them with a measure of direction in life. ``He didn't find the street kids, he'd take the kids from the alleys - there's a difference,'' said Jimmy Cvetic, an Allegheny County police detective and a 20-year acquaintance through his work in the Police Athletic League. ``He'd help them get driver's licenses. He'd always try to give the kids a trip to a boxing tournament. And his thing was, `Do you know an attorney?' It was always `alley crimes,' he called it. Fistfighting and stuff. ``Some of these kids may be below that line - they never might be able to buy the nice home or the greatest car. But when P.K. had them, they felt like champions. It was boxing, but it was also about kids.''
Charles Nicholas Pecora Jr. of Beechview, the boxing manager-trainer everyone knew as ``P.K.,'' died Sunday of a stroke. He was 68. He was born Aug. 25, 1928, and picked up gloves soon after. Raised on Larimer Avenue in East Liberty, he fell in with Pop Yetter and the Kingsley House, lying about his age so he could join their boxing team. He claimed he was 10 when he was actually 8. It put him on his way to a nickname, ``Pittsburgh Kid,'' from which thereafter he became ``P.K.'' for short.
He graduated from Westinghouse High School and boxed in the Navy while stationed in Panama during World War II. Afterward, he followed a 100-plus bout amateur career with a brief fling in local professional boxing. The welterweight went something like 25-1, losing only to local standout Paddy Grimes. From there, he married and turned to a life of managing and training boxers.
``His family came first,'' said Joe Laquatra, president of the Laborers District Council. Mr. Pecora trained and managed the stable of boxers at the Laquatra Athletic Club, which ultimately became the Hogan's Gym that he steered until his death. ``He never made any money. But he was always in the gym.''
Mr. Pecora last worked as a driver for The Pittsburgh Press, retiring in August 1979. But boxing and the Downtown gym were how and where he spent much of his time. ``We lost a great guy for boxing,'' said Andy ``Kid'' DePaul, the state boxing commissioner and longtime ring fixture. ``He's done more to keep this town alive with boxing the last 10 years than anybody. He put on so many shows.''
``I watched P.K. take charge of the Golden Gloves and rekindle it,'' Cvetic said. ``He took the kids away to tournaments, and most of the time he would go into his own pocket. He'd rent a van and always come back on gas fumes. `We'll make it.' And he always did it. He once broke down in the snow, and he put the kids up in a hotel. He always took care of the kids. ``It was funny. He took kids with him on trips who weren't even fighters. `What's one more cup of water in the soup?' he'd say. That's vintage P.K.''
His best professional fighters included Tommy ``The Altar Boy'' Alexander and the Spadafora brothers, Harry, and, most recently, Paul. The younger Spadafora is considered a rising star among lightweights. ``His best bet to fulfill that dream is the young Spadafora boy,'' Cvetic said. ``I think he's going to be the champion of the world, myself.''
Mr. Pecora is survived by his wife, Rachael; two sons, Chuckie of Oakdale and Joey of Imperial; a daughter, Carol Rae of McDonald; three brothers, Richard, Joseph and Vince; six grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at Brusco-Napier Funeral Home, 2201 Bensonia Ave., Beechview. A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. tomorrow in St. Margaret Church in Green Tree. Interment will be at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills.
More About Charles Nicholas "PK" Pecora:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Notes for Rachel U. Traficante:
Mrs. Joan Fusaro acted as Rachel's guardian on the marriage license.
PECORA
RACHAEL U. (TRAFICANTE)
Age 87, on Sunday, January 15, 2017. Beloved wife of the late Charles N. "P.K." Pecora; mother of Carol (Leo) Parks, Charles III (Debbie) Pecora and Joseph (late Shelley) Pecora; loving grandmother of six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; sister of Michael Traficante. Friends received 2-8 p.m. Wednesday only at BRUSCO - NAPIER FUNERAL SERVICE, LTD., 2201 Bensonia Ave., Pgh., PA 15216. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Catherine of Siena Church on Thursday at 12 noon. Interment is private. -
More About Rachel U. Traficante:
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Charles Pecora and Rachel Traficante are:
41 i. Charles5 Pecora. He married Debbie (Pecora).
42 ii. Joseph Pecora. He married Shelley (Pecora).
43 iii. Carol Rae Pecora. She married (1) (Husband) Rae. She married (2) Leo Parks.
25. Joseph "Sonny"4 Pecora (Frank Louis3, Giuseppe Nicola2, Pietro1) was born April 17, 1935 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died April 09, 2000. He married Elizabeth A. Kohl. She was born Abt. 1935, and died May 13, 1995 in Of Penn Hills.
Notes for Joseph "Sonny" Pecora:
PECORA
JOSEPH, SR.
Suddenly on Sunday, April 9, 2000; husband of the late Elizabeth A. (Kohl) Pecora; beloved father of Debra, Joseph and his wife Shelly and David and his wife Lisa Pecora; also eleven grand and four great-grandchildren; brother of retired Senator Frank A. Pecora and Eleanor DeBellis. He is retired from H.J. Heinz Co. Friends received TUESDAY ONLY 2-4 and 7-9 pm at SOXMAN FUNERAL HOMES LTD., ROTH CHAPEL 7450 Saltsburg Road (at Universal Rd.) Penn Hills. Service and interment private. (Post Gazette, April 11, 2000)
Notes for Elizabeth A. Kohl:
Elizabeth A. Kohl Pecora, 60, of Penn Hills, died Saturday, May 13, 1995. She is survived by her husband, Joseph Pecora Sr.; three children; 10 grandchildren; and a sister. Services and interment were private. Arrangements by SOXMAN FUNERAL HOME/ROTH CHAPEL, Penn Hills.
Children of Joseph Pecora and Elizabeth Kohl are:
44 i. Debra5 Pecora.
45 ii. Joseph Pecora.
46 iii. David Pecora.
26. Frank A.4 Pecora (Frank Louis3, Giuseppe Nicola2, Pietro1) was born August 08, 1930 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died June 12, 2017 in Penns Hills, Allegheny Co., Pa.. He married Barbara Gigliotti Abt. 1957, daughter of Louis Gigliotti and Lena Iorio.
Notes for Frank A. Pecora:
Former state senator 1979 - 1994. Republican turned Democrat. In 1992 ran for Congress against Rick Santorum. Mentor of Sean Logan and Mike Doyle.
HE THRIVED AS A REPUBLICAN IN A DEMOCRATIC STRONGHOLD,by Bill Schackner, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 18, 2017
Frank Pecora, a longtime state senator from Penn Hills whose moderate views and penchant constituent servece helped him thrive as a Republican in a Democratic stronghold, died Monday at home, his family said. He was 86. He was dealing with the effects of pneumonia and in 2012 had suffered a stroke.
Elected in 1978, Mr. Pecora served four terms spanning 16 years. To many, he was a quintessential old-style politician, a cigar-chomping senator, though he quit the cigar habit many years ago at the urging of his wife of 60 years, Barbara, family members said. He was a passionate supporter of education funding and of better transportation. But he had little patience for intrusion of government into people's lives.
In 1992, his decision to switch party affiliation caused the Republicans to lose control of the Senate for the first time in 12 years. It came after thelegislative reapportionment commission in 1991 moved Mr. Pecora's 44th district across the state to the Philadelphia suburbs - andhe had said he would change his party affiliation if the Republican leadership approved the plan. His switch turned a 26-24 Republican advantage to a 25-25 deadlock, meaning then Democratic Lt. Gov. Mark Singel could break ties on procedural matters.
Left essentially without a district half-way through his fourth term, he could have simply given up. Instead, he rented a $450 one-bedroom apartment in his new district, continued to serveand evenconsidered running before retiring in 1994.
Though the stuff of headlines, such political intrigue was less important to his constituents than was the way he served their needs. He would keep his office near the Penn Hills Shopping Center open every Saturday and would be there himself through the afternoon. "People could just walk in with their problems," his wife said. "He was just an open person."
Less enthralled by the rich and powerful, he focused instead on others who most needed his help, said U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Forest Hills, to whom Mr. Pecora was a mentor. Mr. Doyle was the senator's chief of staff for 16 years and the two stayed in touch. The congressman is expected to deliver the eulogy. "He was sort of like a seconf father to me," Mr. Doyle said. "We'd go into restaurants," recalled Mr. Doyle, then in his 20s and working as the senator's aide. "Before he'd sit down, he'd talk to every waiter and waitress, the busboy, the guy parking the cars. He knew their nems and he knew their families. "He really had a knack for people," he said.
Mr. Pecora grew up on McDonals Street in East Liberty and graduated from Westinghouse High School. He held a variety of jobs, including selling burial vaults with his father. He also sold insurance and homes, Ms. Pecora said. He took classes Downtown at what is now Robert Morris University. He also worked in the jury commission office.
Recurring basement flooding in his home got him interested in taking stands on community issues, his family said. He would to on to form the Penn Hills Taxpayers League and was elected 9h Ward commissioner in 1971. Later, he was elected councilman at large for Penn Hills. In 1978, he became the first Penn Hills resident elected to represent the 44th Senatorial District. He was involved in creating the Penn Hills Ambulance Service, securing land for the Penn Hills Library and making improvments to the Rodi Road Corridor, among other things. Mr. Pecora sponsored legislation that became law in 1984, toughening penalties for those who interfered with child custody and giving parents access to the FBI's help locating and returning a child taken without parental consent.
Mr. Pecora was a long-time member and an usher at St. Joseph Parish in Verona.
In addition to his wife, he is surved by son Frank L. Pecora and daughter Barbara Pecora, both of Penn Hills. Visitation will be Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Soxman Funeral HOmes, Ltd./Roth Chapel, 7450 Saltsburg Rd., Penn Hills. The funeral will be 10 a.m.Monday at St. Joseph Parish, Verona. Entomebent will follow in Restland Memorial Park, Monroeville.
Pecora State Senator Frank Anthony Age 86, passed away into the hands of his loving Lord, surrounded by his family, in his home on Monday, June 12, 2017. He suffered a stroke in 2012, but still enjoyed the remaining years of his life with his loving family despite several setbacks and hospitalizations. He succumbed to pneumonia after a long and courageous fight. Frank started his political life in the late 1960's as a community activist, forming the Penn Hills Taxpayers League. In 1971, he was elected Commissioner of the 9th Ward and later, Councilman at Large in Penn Hills. He served in that capacity until he was elected as the first Penn Hills citizen to represent the 44th Senatorial District in 1978 until his retirement in 1994. Frank distinguished himself as an advocate for his constituents and a guardian of our tax dollars. His accomplishments were many, including the improvements to the Rodi Road Corridor in Penn Hills, the establishment of the Penn Hills Ambulance Service, procuring the land for the current Penn Hills Library, and establishing Child Find, which is now known as Megan's Law, for missing and exploited children, to name a few. In the Senate, he was a consistent and outspoken supporter of increased funding for education, improved transportation and reduced government interference in people's lives. He was involved in several charitable organizations including The Western PA School for the Deaf, and PA Autism Society. He was a lifetime member of F.O.P Lodge 91, Perry-Ionic Lodge 796 as he was a 32nd Degree Mason, Shiloh Royal Arch Chapter 257. Frank was an avid golfer and a member of Alcoma Golf Club. He and his wife enjoyed traveling, especially their trip to Italy. They spent time in Florida, Las Vegas and California, as well. Frank will be remembered for his fierce loyalty to his friends, his great love for his wife (Bella Mia), children, family, friends, and colleagues. He was an honest, kind, and gracious gentleman throughout his life, and will be sorely missed. Frank was born August 8, 1930 to the late Frank and Elizabeth (Cristillo) Pecora. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara (Gigliotti) Pecora, two children, Frank L. Pecora and Barbara Pecora of Penn Hills, many nieces and nephews and special niece, Sandra DeBellis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Joseph "Sonny" (Elizabeth) Pecora, sister, Eleanor (John) DeBellis and cousins Charles and Amelia Pagano. The family would like to thank Dr. Pal Muthappan, Vitas Healthcare, and his special friends and caregivers, Michael Kisner, Rebecca Peters and Cathy LeClear. Family and friends received, Saturday and Sunday, 2-4 & 7-9pm at Soxman Funeral Homes, Ltd./Roth Chapel,7450 Saltsburg Road (at Universal Road) Penn Hills. Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by the Most Reverend William J. Winter, S.T.D., retired auxillary Bishop of Pittsburgh, will be Monday, 10:00 am in St. Joseph Parish, Verona, where Frank was longtime member and usher. Entombment will follow in Restland Memorial Park, Monroeville
More About Frank A. Pecora:
Burial: Restland Memorial Park, Monroeville, Allegheny Co., Pa.
Children of Frank Pecora and Barbara Gigliotti are:
47 i. Frank L.5 Pecora.
48 ii. Barbara Pecora.
27. Eleanor4 Pecora (Frank Louis3, Giuseppe Nicola2, Pietro1) was born October 05, 1931 in East Liberty, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died June 19, 2008 in New Castle, Lawrence Co., Pa.. She married John Ralph DeBellis Abt. 1947. He was born June 30, 1928 in East Liberty, Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died September 10, 2007 in New Castle, Lawrence Co., Pa..
Notes for Eleanor Pecora:
DeBELLIS
LEANORA (ELEANOR) MARIA
76, of New Castle, died Thursday, June 19, 2008 at home. "Ellie" was born October 5, 1931 in East Liberty and was the daughter of the late Frank L. and Elizabeth Cristillo Pecora and was married to her husband of 60 years, John R. DeBellis who passed away September 10, 2007. Mother of Anthony "Tony" DeBellis of New Castle and Sandra Lee "Sandy" (Paul Ritter) DeBellis of Vanencia; grandmother of Toni Marie and Kirk Scurpa and John and Lisa DeBellis. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, her little angels, Katelyn, Kristen and Kailee Scurpa, a brother, Frank A. (Barbara) Pecora of Verona, sister-in-law, Celeste DeBellis of Clairton, and her many loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother Joseph and sister-in-law Elizabeth Pecora. Eleanor worked as a school crossing guard in Edgewood where she raised her children and lived with her parents. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday June 28, 2008 at 11:00 am at the Word of god Parish at St. Anselm, 7446 McClure Ave. Swissvale, PA 15218. Following Mass, family and friends are welcome to celebrate Eleanor's life at the Grandview Golf Club, 1000 Golf Club Drive, North Braddock, PA 15104. The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the Hospice nurses and aids at the Jameson Hospital Hospice Program. Your compassion and care during these difficult times will never be forgotten. Arrangements are by the GILBERT FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, INC., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township.
Notes for John Ralph DeBellis:
DeBELLIS
JOHN RALPH
79, Of New Castle, died Monday, September 10, 2007 at home. He was born June 30, 1928 in East Liberty and was the son of the late Lawrence and Carolina DePasquale DeBellis. He was a retired Distributor of Stella Dora Products. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eleanor Pecora DeBellis, son, Anthony "Tony" DeBellis of New Castle, daughter, Sandra Lee "Sandy" (Paul Ritter) DeBellis of Valencia, grandchildren, Toni (Kirk) Scurpa, and John (Lisa) DeBellis, great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Kristen and Kailee Scurpa, sister-in-law Celeste DeBellis of Clairton, brother-in-law, Frank (Barbara) Pecora of Verona, and many loving nieces and nephews. Family and friends are welcome to celebrate John's life on Saturday, September 22, 2007 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Elks BPO Wilkinsburg Lodge 577, 718 Brown Avenue, Turtle Creek. Arrangements are by the GILBERT FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, INC., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township.
Children of Eleanor Pecora and John DeBellis are:
49 i. Anthony5 DeBellis.
50 ii. Sandra Lee DeBellis.
Generation No. 5
30. Madeline5 Nappi (Nellie4 Pecora, Pietro Antonio3, Giuseppe Nicola2, Pietro1) was born November 30, 1935 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa.. She married Nicholas A. DeLucia, son of Nicola DeLucia and Angeline Tauro. He was born September 08, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa., and died October 09, 2007 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Pa..
Notes for Madeline Nappi:
Reported to be a cousin of Jo Jo Pecora.