Obituary of Joseph F. Pistell

Joseph (Joe, Fuzzy) Frederick Pistell 91, of Cortland, NY, passed away on July 10 at home surrounded by his children. Joe was born in Syracuse, NY to Joseph and Federicka Piscitell on May 17, 1933. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Syracuse University. Upon graduation, he served a short time in the Army and then in the National Guard for eight years. Joe worked as a chemical engineer and sales manager for R.H. Miller, Pennwalt Corporation for over 30 years where he developed three products that were patented. Joe was a resident of Cortland for over 60 years. In his younger days he was an active member and received a Certificate of Merit with the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the local Soapbox Derby Chairman, and served on the Cortland Memorial Hospital Board. In his retirement years, he enjoyed spending his winters at his home in Juno Beach, FL, and served on the Colony Condo Board for many years. Joe enjoyed skiing and racquetball in his younger years and continued to play golf until the age of 88. Joe was an avid gardener. He was very proud of his vegetable and flower gardens and little pleased him more than his neighbors voicing their admiration of his "posies." He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and friends - especially his best friend for more than 80 years, Harold Miller. He was an avid fan of Syracuse University athletics and the Buffalo Bills and attended many games at the Carrier Dome. Joe is survived by his son Joseph (Cindy) Pistell of Brewerton, NY; Lee (Ruth) Pistell of Cortland; and step-daughter Jennifer (Dan) Isaf of Lewisburg, PA; grandchildren James Pistell, Michael Pistell, and Bryan Pistell, three great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, René and daughter Laura. A visitation will be held at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave, Cortland, NY, on July 22 from 12 – 2 p.m. with a short service following at 2 PM. A private family burial will be held in St. Mary's Cemetery in Cortland on July 23. Memorial donations may be made to Hospicare of Cortland or the Cortland County SPCA. Joe was very impressed with the job they do and donated often. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hospicare of Cortland. Our nurse Barb supported us and made this difficult time easier to bear. To offer condolences online visit, www.wright-beard.com