Obituary of Henry Pisoni

Henry "Hank" F. Pisoni 89, of State College, formerly of Brockway, died peacefully November 10, 2013 at The Fairways at Brookline, State College with the support and love of his family. Born December 17, 1923 in Brockway he was a son of the late Ben and Maddalena Guarnati Pisoni. On August 21, 1948 he married Violet "Volley/Vi" C. Torretti who died April 3, 2008. They were married for 59 years. Hank served in WW II in the Air Transport Command flying personnel and equipment overseas and bringing wounded and others back home. He made 99 cross Atlantic flights during the war. Hank enjoyed telling stories of his war time experiences including the time he successfully landed his out-of-fuel plane in a pasture. Another of Hank's favorite war time stories recounted the time that one of the passengers on his Air Transport flights was Paul Torretti. They realized their home towns were near each other and they spoke for some time on the plane. The following night, through a wonderful coincidence, Hank met Paul's sister Violet at a dance. Violet became his wife and the rest was history. Hank talks about his WWII experiences at http://streams.wpsu.psu.edu/Henry_Pisoni07102.html He was a former member of St. Tobias Catholic Church in Brockway where he belonged to the Knights of Columbus, serving as a Fourth Degree Grand Knight and as a Eucharistic minister; and was a very dedicated and active member of the parish. Upon moving to State College he was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church where he belonged to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, volunteering at their thrift store. He attended daily mass and formed a set of wonderful, close friendships with his fellow parishioners. After morning mass they would regularly stop and spend time together at McDonalds where he perfected his favorite way to score pancakes so as to absorb the most syrup. Hank loved his State College and Brockway friends dearly and was much loved by them. Hank worked for 42 years at Brockway Glass where he was a mold maker. He used his engraving skills to put peoples' names and accomplishments on many trophies, plaques, watches, and other items over the years. Hank enjoyed working with his hands and was very skillful coming up with creative, unique solutions whenever something needed to be fixed. His family referred to these solutions as "Hank specials". In his retirement Hank and his nephew Vic DeSantis received a patent for a unique fishing lure they named the "shad flasher" for its ability to "flash" red gill color to attract fish. Hank is survived by four children, Fred Pisoni of Alexandria VA, Ben Pisoni and his wife Shelley of State College, Denice Orr of Boston and Debra McGregor and her husband Stephen of State College. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren: Angela Pisoni, Adam Pisoni and his wife Lucy, Dennis Dombrowski and his wife Maria and daughter Violet , Cassie Dombrowski and her husband John Horell and daughters Addison and Emily, RJ Orr, John McGregor, Kathy McGregor Roe and her husband Jeff and daughter Mia, and son Hudson, and Michelle McGregor and her fiancé Brad Ruffo. Also surviving are Sisters In Law Dorothy Torretti of Sykesville and Teresa Pisoni of Brockway. Hank enjoyed the outdoors and spent countless hours gardening, hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed the challenge, excitement and beauty of fly fishing, including tying his own flies. Hank did all of his outdoor activities with his friends, forming bonds that lasted a life time. Visitation will be on Thursday November 14 from 6 to 8 PM at the Koch Funeral Home in State College. Funeral Mass will be on Friday November 15 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Victory Church in State College. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Victory Church or the Saint Vincent de Paul society, both of State College.