Joe Picinotti

Joseph C. Picinotti, 96, of Charleroi, passed away peacefully on Wednesday December 11, 2019. Born on October 19, 1923, he was the son of the late Joseph and Emma (Rehula) Picinotti.

He was a member of Mary, Mother of the Church and was married and a member of the Holy Name Society of the former Sts. Cyril and Methodius, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was retired from the Police Department of Charleroi after 47 years and he served as the shop steward for the Fraternal Order of Police, Charleroi.

He was a WWII veteran of the US Army where he was a pathfinder with the 11th Airborne Division. He took part in the battles of New Guinea, South Philippines, and Luzon and was awarded the following ribbons, Asiatic Pacific Theater w/3 bronze stars, Philippine Liberation Theater w/2 bronze stars, and American Theater medals. He was nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor and was awarded the Silver Star Medal.

He was a member of the Charleroi American Legion, past Commander of the Charleroi VFW, a former officer of the Charleroi Belgian Club, member of the Turner's Gymnastics Club, and was one of the original members that was instrumental in organizing Charleroi Midget League Football. He was also an avid gardener, wine maker, and had a great love for his family.

Joe is survived by his children, Joe (Norma Colleen) Picinotti, of Fallowfield Twp., Mariann (Dennis) Balcerek, of New Martinsville, W.V., and T.J. Picinotti, of Charleroi; grandchildren, Jason (Colleen) Picinotti, Tony (Allison) Picinotti, Josh (Melissa) Balcerek, Angie (Todd) Barcus, John (Heather) Havrilesko, Mike Havrilesko, and Pat (Kera Owens) Picinotti; great-grandchildren, Suzy, Evan, Van, and Enzo Picinotti, Halle and Lindsey Barcus, Sydney and Amelia Balcerek, and Hunter and Madison Havrilesko; and several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Anna K. Picinotti; and sisters, Dorothy Picinotti, Dolores Gallo, and Rita Lindsay.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 pm on Sunday, December 15 in the CARL J. SPALLINO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION, 819 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi, Joseph A. Lopez, funeral director. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am on Monday in Mary, Mother of the Church (PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH), with interment following in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.