Bart (Barto) J. Pignatelli

Bart (Barto) J. Pignatelli passed away peacefully on March 12, 2022. Bart was born in San Jose, California to Francesco and Fontina Pignatelli on April 29, 1932. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Rita (Zarling) and his sister Mary (Pignatelli) Sardone. 

Bart excelled in football at Akron North High School. Bart was a four-year letterman earning first team All Ohio honors in 1950. Bart's football career continued receiving an athletic scholarship to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Bart's college career was interrupted when he volunteered for service in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  Following his military service, he returned to Miami University and finished his college football career, being named and playing for the Blue Team in the annual Blue/Gray All Star Game. He was eventually named to the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame. 

After college, Bart's love of football and kids led him to a career in education, first, as a head football coach and teacher and later, he would serve as an administrator. Bart, over his thirty-five-year career in education, positively affected the lives of kids across the city of Akron. Bart was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church; member and past president of the Italian American Professional Business Men's Club. In retirement he continued his public service being elected and serving as a city councilman. 

Bart's humility was always apparent. Despite his numerous awards and achievements, he considered being a devoted husband and father as his greatest accomplishment.  Above all, Bart found greatest joy in spending time with his family, especially Sunday dinners. 

Bart leaves behind his children, who will miss him dearly: Ann Marie (Bob) Mittiga, Frank Pignatelli (Kelly) and Fonda (Daniel) Kirchner; sister-in-law Alice Vitantonio; grandchildren, Matt (Heather) Mittiga, Melissa Namay, Michael (Julie) Mittiga, Mark Mittiga (Megan), Dominic Mittiga, AnnMarie Kirchner (Steven), Kathleen (Austin) Rodesky, and Daniel Kirchner, 15 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their gratitude and sincere appreciation to Christina Owens, his caregiver, for her loving and caring attention for Bart over the last several years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (Greater East Ohio Area Chapter) or Sisters of St. Anthony.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, March 17 from 4 to 7 PM at the Hennessy Funeral Home (corner of York and Main) 552 North Main St., Akron, OH. Mass of the Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, March 18, 2022 at 11 AM at Saint Anthony Church, 83 Mosser Pl. Akron with Fr. Edward Burba and Fr. John P. Singler officiating. Bart’s final resting place will be at Holy Cross cemetery

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