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Carmen J. Piccirilli, 84, Altoona, entered eternal life on Monday.
He was the son of the late Sabatino and Carmella (D'Agostino) Piccirilli.
Carmen leaves behind his high school sweetheart and wife of more than 60 years, Jane (Luciano); six children: Steven, Karen Laughlin, Claudia Brown (Clyde), Cynthia, Carmen McGunigal (Harry) and Jeffrey (Jean); 16 grandchildren and stepgrandchildren; and a great-grandson.
Also surviving are three sisters: Sabina Pierannunzio, Josephine Gallucci and Frances Mussleman; as well as his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends from all walks of life.
He was preceded in death by three brothers: Paul, John and Albert.
Carmen was a hardworking man who had his first paper route at age 9. He started shining shoes in 1936 and eventually apprenticed in shoe repair while in high school. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1945 and did a tour in the Philippines, then was recalled to active duty in 1950 for the Korean conflict. Before and after his military service, he established his shoe repair business and was an active member of the Hollidaysburg business community.
He was known to many as "Al," the proprietor and skilled shoe repairman of Al's Shoe Shop on Allegheny Street for more than 55 years. He spent his life in service to his community in this role and established many lifelong friendships.
He participated in a program in the 1960s and 1970s through Intermediate Unit 8 where he apprenticed special needs children. By his example as a self-employed businessman, he taught his own children useful life skills. He was known for his generosity, honesty, integrity, patience, compassion and his love of people.
Carmen was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was especially dedicated to church fundraising through the sale of lottery tickets and lottery calendars. He was also a Knight of Columbus. He was a lifelong bowler, his last season ending in the spring of 2011, and he counted many friends from that community.
He was a family man and, with his wife, encouraged all of his children to obtain college and advanced degrees. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. He led by example, working hard and living simply, and he was a source of wisdom and common sense. He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona (www.stevensmortuary.com), where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4, 2011, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Monsignor Stanley Carson. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery. |