William "Vito" Pietrefase

William “Vito” Pietrefase, 93, of Torrington, CT, peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Litchfield Woods, with his wife Genevieve by his side, as she was for the 70 years of their married life together.

He was born October 24, 1929, in Scranton, PA, the son of the late Leonard and Angeline (Scaccia) Pietrefase.  As a young man growing up in Scranton, he loved horses, his favorite one being “Blackie”, who he had to sell when he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War.  Upon his return home, he married the love of his life, and moved to her hometown of Torrington.  While working at the Italian American Society, he learned of an opportunity of Pratt & Whitney, where he was employed as welder for many years.  While at Pratt & Whitney, he was proud to say he took part in the development of the SR-71 Blackbird.  After that, from 1969 – 1998, he owned and operated Bill’s Package Store for 29 years, until his retirement.

”Pops” loved a good joke and was a master of telling them.  He loved his family, especially spending time with them, and always giving a “sweet treat” to youngsters who visited with him. During retirement, when he wasn’t watching wrestling, boxing and The Price Is Right on television, he and Gen enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Connecticut casinos.

In addition to his wife, he is survived his daughters, Deborah Videtto Gutowski (Gary) of St. Augustine, Fl, Clarice Tronina (Richard) of Surfside Beach, SC; one son, William Pietrefase (Dawn Franks) of Torrington, CT; a son-in-law, Greg Hart of Litchfield, CT; eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews and many friends.  He was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Hart and one brother Leo Pietrefase.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Maron’s Church, 613 Main St., Torrington, CT.  All are welcome to attend.  There are no calling hours.  Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery, Torrington, with full military honors accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans Service Office, c/o City Hall, 140 Main St, Torrington, CT.   or to St. Maron's Church.  Condolences may be sent to the Pietrefase family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com