Loutzenhiser-Jordan Online Guestbook for Michael Pistolesi
I wish to be remembered as one of Mike's closest friends for fifty-one years. Mike,Libby and the entire family were, in many ways, my family. 860-267-0663 or 874-2088, jshugert50@comcast.net.
james M. Shugert
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I was so sorry to hear of Mike's death. He was such a special guy - so full of life all his life. Mike was a wonderful friend to our family, and I will never forget that he was instrumental in having the amphitheater in Riverside Park named after Dad. He encouraged Dad to sing many times. For years we went to Ohio every October for apples and cider and to enjoy the autumn scenery. He's playing with the angels now. Love to the family.
Linda Graul
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Mr Pistolesi was a heavyweight for sure. He was a good man with a huge heart. He had a way of making you feel better, of lifting you up, and of inspiring you to reach for more. He played and taught music with integrity, joy, discipline, vision and love. His students learned so much more than just how to play the notes on the paper. I became a musician in part because of his encouragement and example. Thank you Mr Pistolesi for your help and inspiration! May you rest in peace.
Joe Paulovkin, Miami FL, GHS '72
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I am one of the daughters of Diane Olsen (Graul). I spent many summers in Greenville as a child and always looked forward to visiting with Mike and singing with him while he played the piano or the banjo. He was always so impressive with how well he played and how much fun he always had! Wow, some of the best memories of my childhood! PL Graul was my grandpa and my family would have so much fun getting together with Mike! My heart goes out to you in this painful time!
Laura Dunn
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Mike has had a special place in our hearts and lives for as long as we can remember. The last time we both chatted with him was on Valentine's Day, when we had dinner at Carini's and he was providing dinner music. What a picture: Mike, playing that piano! Almost thirty years ago, Mike and I were part of a group of people who went to Saltillo, Mexico with Thiel students. Mike had his guitar, and was frequently asked to play (for Mexicans and Americans). Between weeks two and three of Spanish classes, Mike, Evelyn Kaufman and I flew to Mexico City for a great weekend of sight-seeing. His interests and talents were many. He will be truly missed!
Chip & Leslie Graul
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Dear Libby, We are sharing your grief upon the death of your father. He had a long life and we read with interest his journey over the 94 years. We pray that our heavenly Father will comfort you during this difficult time. Wolfgang and Bette
Wolfgang&Bette Roth
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To this day, I still sing the wonder songs that Mr. Pistolesi taught us in elementary school and I have sung them with my own children. "This Land is My Land, This Land is Your Land" and more. Mr. Pistolesi had a wonderful way of teaching children to not only love music, but to be proud of who we were as Americans. Today I am so proud to be from Greenville knowing Mike Pistolesi chose to spend his life in this little town. I especially loved the picture on him and Ted Young. They looked like they were having a great time! That is exactly how I remember him.
Vicki Hodge Mead
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Mike was a wonderful musician. Everyone at the Ridgewood looked forward to his performances. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Heidi Minshull
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Your family will be in my prayers. Pastor Eddie (GHS Class of 1972
Pastor Eddie White
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You had wonderful parents. I'm a former student of Libby.
Kathy McCurdy
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Dave, Joan and Sons, This tribute conveyed all the depth, warmth and music in a life well lived. Your father appeared to drink it in fully and missed little. He was indeed a remarkable man, and I'm glad your sons got to know him. My deepest sympathy.
Carol Torres
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Hello Dave, Don & Lib I often think of your Mom and Dad. All those great Christmas party memories and simply relaxing on the patio at 28 Eagle. Don and Alice truly loved your parents. Till this day,I still love getting my back tickled at night.A habit that my Dad and Libby started when we were young. Warm Regards That pesky little neighborhood kid Markie
Mark Baskin
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A life well lived.
Mike Stull GHS '72
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What a wonderful life he had. I know you will miss him...
Judy Meister
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To Lib and family, As a colleague of Lib's living here in Charlotte, I'm sorry to say that I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Pistolesi; however, I've heard stories. May his vital living be an inspiration to us all as well as a comfort during these days.
Deb Mishoe
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My deepest sympathy to all the family. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Mr. Pistolesi was always a positive and inspiring teacher. My Memories are bright, happy and fond.
Janie Scheifele Robinson
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Libby, Phyllis and I were talking last week about how much we enjoyed the Symphony and the music you and your family made. It is apparent that your father had a great life. He was always a gentleman.
Kathy UrdaDayton
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I have known Mike for many years when I was a nurse practitioner at Greenville High School and when he accompanied me or in group singing events in the community. The last time I saw him was January at the Heritage where I sang monthly with Ed and Sandy Ceremuga. He will always be remembered for his kindly, supportive manner and certainly for his musical prowess. I will miss him dearly. My condolences to his family and friend Mellie.
Joan Wentling
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Libby, I am so sorry! I love the tribute video. Your father must have been an amazing guy. I wish you and your family comfort and peace. Love Susan
Susan Blumberg
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I believe Mr. Pistolesi was an angel sent here a little while to share his many wonderful gifts. He gave the gift of music to so many that will carry on his joyous approach to life and music. I have the utmost respect for him and will always remember his smile. My thoughts and sympathies are with you now in your time of grief. God Bless him. He has returned home.
Max Schang
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Mr P.'s faith in me never waivered from grade school, thru senior high orchestra----his patience was legendary! May God continue to hold him, and those he loved, in the palm of His hand.
Maddi Dean Zydowicz
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Don & Family, I was saddened to hear of your father's passing. My condolences to you all. What a beautiful video tribute & such a nice article in the newspaper!
Jill Busch Funk
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Libby, We are sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself.
Kathy and Nelson Hinman
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Dave, your father sounds like such an amazing and talented person. I'm sure both he and his gift of music will be missed greatly. My deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. Sincerely, AnnMarie Ganovsky
AnnMarie Ganovsky
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Your dad/ grandfather was a sweet joyful soul! He instilled a love of music into his students with his enthusiasm. I played in the high school orchestra and also with Mr. Pistolesi in the symphony. He was always encouraging and supportive. I am sorry for your loss, but I hope it is comforting to know he impacted many lives and was loved dearly.
Carolyn McMaster Hurst
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My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Mr. P was a great teacher and someone who made peoples lives better through music and with music. He definitely made me appreciate the finer points of music.He will be missed by MANY!
Larry Cooper
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What a sweet kind man. He certainly had the patience of a saint when it came to teaching music lessons. I was a student over 40 years ago and I still have some great memories of his teaching. God speed Mr. Pistolesi.
Kory Mazzeo Stoeckle
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Mr. Pistolesi was such a caring and positive music teacher. Your father touched so many students and community members. We were all truly blessed to know him. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Marianne Cremi Carrel
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Our deepest sympathy to all the family. We enjoyed sharing his musical talents and visiting with Mike.
Babe Howard Mossman
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My 2 boys had Mike as their music teacher in Greenville. For a number of years I was involved with the Greenville Symphony, and other local musical events with Mike. What a blessing he was in our community. A special memory was having Mary Lucarick (sp?) playing the honky-tonk piano in our home, with Mike on his banjo, playing a lot of Scott Joplin. This past February 16, I visited Mike at St. Paul's - a lot of reminiscing. After telling him about my 12yr old cellist grandson, Mike gave me 2 CD's, Perennial Melodies, of Donald's cello playing - still wanting to inspire young people. Thank God I had that visit....
Audrey (Hodge) Colombo
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People say we are known by the legacy we leave. Mr P. will be remembered for his love of music and people. I know in my on life Mr. P helped grow my love of both. I thank God for bringing Mr P. into my life, and he him sharing his great loves to me. Heaven is a more musical place now. I can here him playing his banjo right now. My condolences go out to the family and I just want to say play on Mr.P. play on
Harry Frantz Jr.
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Words cannot express how truly missed Mike will be to all who knew him.Our friendship began approx. 20 years ago when he started entertaining for residents at St.Paul's. His love and talent for music touched so many,and I hope he knew how much he was appreciated.Sending my deepest sympathy to sister Mary, children Libby, David, Donald and families. Linda Davis
Linda Davis
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Condolences to the family of Mr. Pistolesi. He was a very special man who brought his love of music to all of Greenville. I had the priveledge of learning to play the cello with Mr. Pistolesi. He was always so patient and encouraging. A smile on his face always. He is now making beautiful music with the angels. We have lost a very special human being.
Kathy Peebles Finney
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My condolences to the Pistolesi family. Mr Pistolesi instilled a love of music in me from the time he taught our class to play the tonette in the fourth grade at Hempfield Elementary.
Susan (Swickard) Limber
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Mike has been my best friend for many years. I was fortunate to get to know him best through my sister, Mellie, his constant companion. He was the strongest, most gentle person I have ever known. It was my privilege to spend many happy hours with him. He left this world a better place, and though I will sorely miss him, I know he is in a better place and surely still making music.
Bill Ghost
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I never met Michael Pistolesi, but I heard many wonderful stories about him from Libby and Joy and know that he was a remarkable man in so many ways. It is clear from the tributes from former students that he touched their lives and, in fact, influenced and guided some in their choice of careers. One hears the expression “I am a better person for having known him” – well, that is clearly the case with Michael. I also enjoyed the very moving video tribute which shows Michael throughout his full, rich life. He was a man who adored his wife and children, loved his sisters and cared deeply for his extended family. His love of music is evident, and he shared that love with his family and friends. A picture is worth a thousand words, and in viewing the video tribute it is obvious to all that his two grandsons meant the world to him, as did Mellie. Libby and Joy, I am so sorry for your loss; but I hope it comforts you, Libby, to know that your dad clearly enjoyed his life and basked in the love of his family and friends.
Mary Beth Gibson
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David, Libby, and Donald, I was sad to hear of your fathers' passing. As I looked at the wonderful muscial tribute online I remember him. To me he was a great friend of my family. I know what a great father he was to all of you and how much your mother adored him. He loved you all so much I know. Greenville, has lost a wonderful teacher and citizen. It was a man like him who made our town so civil. I share your sorrow even though I am unable to do so in person. Please accept my sincere sympathy and thanks for his friendship over the years as well as all of you. He lived a long and successfull life to which he certainly deserved. Your friend, Ron Torrence
Ronald Torrence
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Oh Mike, we'll all miss you. I hope you know how highly thought of you were by so many people. Thanks for gracing Greenville for so many years. Do you have a harp yet ?
Mimi Filer
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Dear Pistolesi Family-- Please know how important your father was to so many of us in Greenville. He was a very kind and thoughtful man who delighted in bringing music into our lives and always, always cheered our singing voices and instrumental notes. I especially remember him introducing the song "This Little Light of Mine" one day in music class in the Penn High Auditorium. What a patient man he was! He touched so many of us with his love for music and I believe that he was part of a very unique group of musicians who inspired many of us to study and practice. We were blessed with some fine teachers in Greenville...along the banks of the Shenango.
Chris and Janet (Wackenhut) Michaelsen
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Mike's music was a beautiful extension of his overall warmth and generosity. He had such a way of making each of us feel special whenever we saw him. We loved Mike and considered him family. Indeed, he always brought extra joy to the annual Ghost family reunions whenever he'd break out his guitar or banjo - or just smile. The songs "American Pie" and "Leader of the Band" have been in my mind these past few days. It seems so much like they were written just for Mike.
Eric, Diana, and Samantha Ghost
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Libby, We all send our condolences to you and your whole family. The Toselli (with your brother on Cello) was a touching finish to the selection of standards that make up the musical portion of this memorial page. (TC says he remembers this piece from a radio show he heard 60 years ago. - "Life With Luigi?")
Libby Pistolesi's Neighbors
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Don, Dave and family, I was sorry to learn of your father passing away. He was a wonderful gentleman and loved by everyone he knew. He helped and brought joy to many and you can be proud of your father's accomplishments. I extend my sympathy to you and your families and my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Philip Berryhill
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Mike Pistolesi was one of the most wonderful people I have ever known. Always positive; always kind; always making wonderful music. I will never forget him.
Chris Bendig Andrews
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We send our deepest condolences to the Pistolesi family on Mike's death. He was a very special friend to us and will always remain in our memory. We met Mike and Libby 40 years ago when we were neighbors. They were like second parents to us; we virtually lived at their house for two years. When we last visited Mike, we walked up from his house on College Avenue and found him wearing reindeer antlers at the piano, playing Christmas carols in July for residents at St. Paul's, many of whom were much younger than Mike. He was such an inspiration to us, ever so youthful even in his 90s. The video is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful person. Thank you for sharing it. Mike -- we will miss you so much. Bill and Linda Kelso, Jacksonville, FL
Bill and Linda Kelso
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Dear Dave and Joan, We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing, and you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Mike was a true gentleman and a wonderful musician and we will always cherish the memory of his playing the piano at our wedding. The Lord must have needed a terrific piano man! Please know we are thinking of you.
John and Maria Novey
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Dave and Joan and family- you have my condolences and prayers on the loss of your dear father Dave. Will be praying for all of you and offer my Mass tomorrow for all of you. Mary I was at your house with Mary, your mother in law a couple mos ago. Bless you all.
Mary Robson (Mary Z's friend)
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Mike was a gift to us from God to lift our spirits with his positive, delightfully happy personality, and to feed our souls with the talented beauty of his music. I had the high privilege of working with him at times when I was singing and always thought he resembled a debonair Roman senator in a toga, his head encircled by laurel leaves. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and precious Mellie, yet realizing that Mike will continue to live on with all of us through the memories of his lilting banjo playing on our heartstrings. Mike is still alive...he has just segued to another life!
Sandra Ghost
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What a beautiful tribute to a great musician and inspiration to us all. Mike was such an influence from my youger days of violin and piano thru the later years when he played with my dad (Carl and Naomi) at the Golden Age and various other "gigs'-what a guy!! My deepest sympathy to the family and everyone in Greenville for the loss of a real "Music Man"....
Carol(Benson) Johnston
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Dear DAve and Joan and family, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I only met him a few times, but I know he was quite a special guy and he led an interesting and rich life. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, Donna Sanft
Donna Sanft
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The music in Greenvile has stopped. Mr. Pistolesi was one of the finest human beings I have ever had the priviledge to know. From the first time he handed me my first violin until the last time I saw him at St Pauls, he was kind, caring and generous. My prayers to his family and children at this difficult time. Mr Pistolesi led a full, rich life surrounded with the sweet sounds of music. But I never knew he was a Yankee fan. So Mr P, from your (and Libby's) previous student AND from one Yankee fan to another rest with the angels and Go Yankees! Mr
Dawn Cianci Bendig
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Libby, Joy sent me this beautiful tribute to your father, who appears to have been an exceptional talent and sensitive man. I am glad you have inherited his talent and love of music. My condolences to you and your family and to Joy. Love, Sharon
Sharon Kugelmass
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Libby - I enjoyed reading about your father. He was obviously a remarkable man. Take care of yourself through this.
Rhonda Fleming
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mr. p was such a nice and caring person .who left a mark on everyones heart who knew him. i remember him when i went to PENN junior high school.He will be missed .thoughts and prayers go out his family.
bonnie (long) kerr
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My sincerest condolences to you on your loss. Mike was a wonderful musician and a great inspiration to a lot of us who came through Greenville Schools.
Eve Crognale Minter
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The world has lost a kind and gentle, immensely talented, optimistic and beautiful soul. We will miss him very much.
Lisa Dowdell
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Mike Pistolesi cultivated my interested in music, which interest I have passed down to my children (athough their musical tastes are very different than mine). I am married to the former Lisa Fischer also of Greenville and Mike played at our wedding reception at the David Mead Inn in Meadville in April 1990. Mike, Norm Mossman and Don Young playing hard rock 70's and 80's hits was the highlight of the evening. He was one of the kindest, most compassionate individuals I have ever met and his interest in music was infectious. Mike's legacy lives on in his former students and their children. I will never forget Mike Pistolesi. Tom Dowdell Greenville High School Class of 1978
Tom Dowdell
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Dear Dave, Don and Elizabeth, Sorry to learn of the passing of your father, Mike. Both your mother and father were wonderful people. We were glad to know them and thankful for their influence on the lives of our children. From Lady Lake, Florida our thoughts and prayers are with you this week-end.
Paul and Greta Massie
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Dear David, Joan, Donald, Sara, Elizabeth and Mellie: We offer our condolences and prayers at the death of Mike. We regret that we will not be able to be with you in person since we are leaving momentarily to meet an out-of-town weekend speaking engagement. Over our 25 years in Greenville Mike has been a steady and delightful part of our lives. He served faithfully for many years as a community representative on the Steering Committee of the Friends of Music at Holy Trinity Concert Series. He helped shape and encourage this music series over many years. He was a wonderful to work with. He was positive and enthusiastic and deeply committed to making quality live music available in the town he loved. He was so generous in sharing his musical gifts with the people of this community. I will personally miss working with him and seeing him and Mellie sitting in the front right pew to hear the various musical artists who come to town to perform. May the God who gave him the gifts for making music comfort you, and may Mike and Elizabeth, who honed those gifts in a number of you be remembered with thanksgiving. I honor his memory. Blessings of peace and comfort be yours, Martin and Sally Roth
Pastor Martin and Sally Roth
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To Greenville's own "Music Man," you are loved and will be missed. May you rest in peace.
David and Dawna Milford Walsh
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My Memories of Mr. Pistolesi are fond. He was an "inspiring" teacher and a gifted Musician. Godd Bless him and his family.
Mark Giardina
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I'm so sory for your loss your dad and brother was an insperation to all of us Greenville former Greenville high school students.
Sheryl Snyder
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Mr. Pistolesi is the reason why I was inspired to make music a career....he put a violin in my hand in the fourth grade and said, "Music is your calling, enjoy every note!"....and he was right and I did and I will be forever grateful to this man for helping me to find my love at a very young age...wherever he went he lit up a room and it was saturated with joy! He will always have a special place in my memory and in my heart. He gave his gift of music freely. I am sure he is sharing his music with the angels already! I wish to extend my condolences to this loved man's family especially his 3 wonderful children. God Bless you and may you continue to share the your gifts and talents as your wonderful father did.
Dori Kosanovich Weaver
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I was privileged to spend the last 10 Christmases with Mike and a few of his close friends. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and those of us who loved him.He not only taught me music but he taught me that even on your worst day there is a ray of sunshine, if you just let it in.Mike was such an inspiration to me and my love of music.He will be sadley missed.
Gary Gearhart
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Mike was a very special person in my life. His guidance, talent, humor, friendship and personal interest in me enriched my life tremendously. I will miss him.
Timothy McDonald
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He was fantastic...i never saw him in a bad mood....and always asked my folks about what i was up to...he made quite a contribution to Greenville and inspired many of our town's sons and daughters...RIP, Mr. P!
Jonathan Nye
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My condolences on your loss. Mr. P was such a wonderful teacher. He taught me the violin in 5th grade, and as far as I could tell from the expression on his face, I was the best performer of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" ever! He believed that every child should make music and experience the joy of performing. He and my late mom, Pat Hodge, championed the cause of music in Greenville for many years. He was one-of-a-kind and there is a piece of Greenville missing now. Our hearts are with you.
Cherie (Hodge) Moshier
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A great man who used his music to benefit us all. A man for all ages, who reached people of all ages.
JOHN LOGAN
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so sad to hear of his passing, was a great teacher and a very wonderful person, had so much compassion for all, just one of the teacher I remember and am sure he will be missed.
Brenda Augustine [Mitchell]
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We are all saddened by Mike's passing. He was very special to us and well loved. Don't remember him every being ill. You are very fortunate to have had a Dad like Mike. Our condolences to all.
DAN AND DOROTHY MC DONALD
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