Aiflo V PIRACCINI

4 JUN 1928 - 12 NOV 2014

• BIRTH: 4 JUN 1928, Mishawaka, IN
• BURIAL:
• DEATH: 12 NOV 2014, Mishawaka, IN
• BURIAL: 2014, Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, Indiana

• MARRIAGE: 25 OCT 1952, Mishawaka, IN

INDEX

[N11992] Alfio V. Piraccini
June 4, 1928 - Nov. 12, 2014

MISHAWAKA - Alfio Vincent Piraccini, 86, of Mishawaka, died at 10:15 p.m. surrounded by his family on November 12, 2014 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Alfio was born June 4, 1928 in Mishawaka to the late Giovanni "Evo" and Louigia "Gigina" (Minotti) Piraccini. He was the first of his siblings to have been born in America after emigrating from Cesena, Italy in 1922. Alfio was also preceded in death by his brother, Alsvero Piraccini, and sister, Alba (Piraccini) Daly. On October 25, 1952, in Mishawaka, Alfio married Elizabeth K. Catanzarite. She survives along with their four children, Lisa (Butch) Squibb of Elkhart Indiana, John (Jayne) Piraccini of Mishawaka, Dino (Carmen Cast) Piraccini of Granger, and Gina (Paula Bopp) Piraccini of South Bend. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, Sabrina Squibb, Jennifer (Brett) White, Melina (Erik) Sample, Travis Squibb, Cameo Piraccini, John Piraccini II, Brandon Piraccini, Nathaniel Piraccini, Anthony Piraccini, Dominic Piraccini, Luke Piraccini, and Ryan Piraccini, as well as great granddaughter Sydney Sample, Arabelle White and another great grandchild "on the way". Alfio is also survived by his niece, JoAnn Neely, whom since infancy was raised by his parents and as a sister to Alfio. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews; three brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law; plus many friends. Alfio attended Mishawaka High School, where he played football and was elected president of the Hi-Y. before graduating in 1946. Alfio served in the Army during the Korean War and could often be heard proudly telling his family stories from his experiences of the 40th Infantry Division Tank Battalion, where he earned a Bronze Star. After serving his country, Alfio returned home and served his community as a Mishawaka Firefighter until he retired in 1973. In the years to follow Alfio sold furniture at Christianson's McKinley House and worked in the RV industry at Skyline and Travel Craft. Alfio then spent 10 years working for the state of Indiana, as a district manager of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Alfio retired at the age of 72. Alfio was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, the DiLoretto Society, and DeAmici's Italian Club which his father was a founding member. Alfio also received the Sagmore of the Wabash from former governor Joe Kernan, which is the highest distinction in Indiana honoring his contribution to the state. Alfio was a devoted husband who worked multiple jobs, in the early days, so that Elizabeth could stay home and raise their children. He built or remodeled their houses making sure that each met the family needs, which included the capacity to have a kitchen large enough to hold the family dining table where holidays would be celebrated. In this, his last decade, Alfio's responsibilities in their home increased and he demonstrated a unique level of commitment and love to his "Bette". As a Dad, Alfio taught his children a work ethic that is nearly indescribable. He displayed a strong moral code and belief that one should be socially conscious and respectful of all individuals from all walks of life, without exception. Alfio's role as "Popu" (grandfather) brought him immense joy. He simply wanted to be in the presence of his grandchildren, whether it was to tell them a "short story", or hear about their lives. As a family patriarch, friend and community member he displayed integrity and loyalty that forged life long bonds and the most endearing friends. With these friends he shared his love for trap shooting, fishing, hunting and homemade Italian food. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 16, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St., Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 17, at 10:30 a.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with the Rev. John Eze officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to The Hope Rescue Mission of South Bend, the Mishawaka Food Pantry, Inc., the Studebaker Museum or Queen of Peace Church. The family would like to thank Lora Shook, the Certified Nursing Assistants of Home Helpers, Memorial Home Care, Sprenger Rehabilitation, Memorial ICU, as well as the Memorial staff on the 7th floor Cardiac Unit, who treated our father with great care and respect. We are most grateful for the expertise and compassion of hospitalist Dr. Kirk Bodach, who spent an unprecedented amount of time with our father and family. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.
Published in South Bend Tribune on Nov. 15, 2014