Joseph Piro

BARRE – Joseph Piro, 94, of Veeder Avenue passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin with his family at his bedside.

Born August 29, 1924 in Williamstown, he was the son of Felix and Higinia (Pascal) Piro. Joseph attended Williamstown Elementary School, Kurn Hattin Homes, and graduated from Montpelier High School in 1942. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served as a Boatswain Mate Second Class until he was honorably discharged in 1946.

After returning from the Navy, Joseph attended Vermont College in Montpelier and graduated with an Associate Degree in Business.

On January 13, 1950, he married Grace Evelyn Carr in Northfield. Following their marriage, they made their home in the Barre - Montpelier area.

Joseph was employed in the insurance business for all his working life as an underwriter until his retirement. He was a member of the Barre Fish and Game Club, the Barre Pistol Club and the Montpelier Gun Club. Joseph enjoyed being outdoors, trap and skeet shooting, hunting, fishing, watching baseball, Duke basketball and NASCAR.

Survivors include his wife, Grace Piro of Barre; his daughters Cindy Smorgans and her husband, Mike of Cambridge, VT; Janet Lide and her husband, William of Pleasanton, CA; Jo-Ann “Spooky” Buzzi of Barre; and his son Michael Piro and his partner, Jeanne Jean of Fort Pierce, FL; his brothers Manual Piro and his wife, Marilyn of Williamstown; Stephen Piro and his wife, Anita of Connecticut; eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Tony and Felix Piro and his sisters Anita Fernandez and Mary Carpenter.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Joseph’s life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.   There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kurn Hattin Homes, 708 Kurn Hattin Road, Westminster, VT 05346.

The Piro family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to the Barre City Fire and Ambulance Departments for their assistance and also to the Central Vermont Medical Center staff for their compassionate care including the use of the Comfort Room during this difficult time.