Carmen Richard Pieragastini
Carmen Richard Pieragastini, age 74, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024 after a long battle with cerebellar ataxia. Carmen was raised in Willowick, Oh. He attended St. Mary Magdalene elementary school and was a server at the parish. He graduated in 1967 from North HS in Eastlake, Oh. and went on to attend The Cleveland State University where he graduated with a BA in Business Administration in 1972. His banking career began with Cleveland Federal S&L and led to positions in human resources and client services for the mortgage and relocation industry. He made many strong and lasting friendships with fellow co-workers throughout his career.
Carmen met his wife Ginger (Virginia-nee DeRigo) through a friend and they married in 1982. They moved back to Willowick and raised their two sons, Tom and Steven. He found true joy when spending time with his grandchildren Emma, Emmanuel and Roland. He is survived by Ginger, Tom (Caitlin) and Steven (Tiffany), his sister Joanne (Greg) Arko and their children Jackie and Chris, as well as many extended family members.
Carmen was the former President of the Richmond Hts., OH Kiwanis from 1985/86. He taught evening business classes at Lakeland Community College. He established a Northeast Ohio chapter of the National Ataxia Foundation in 2014 and held annual fundraising events throughout the region for those affected by this neurological disease. He loved sports and followed all the Cleveland teams. He had a massive collection of sportscards and memorabilia and believed that there was a Babe Ruth card in there somewhere, yet to be found. He and his family traveled extensively throughout the country. He loved cruising and had many adventures with his wife and dear friends to Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Europe.
His friends and family will reminisce and share those wonderful memories over the years and think fondly of Carmen's fun loving nature.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 on Sunday May 26th at Timber Kitchen and Social Restaurant in Willowick, OH, where we will gather to honor Carmen's remarkable life and accomplishments. Friends and family will have an opportunity to reflect on some of their favorite memories, and if they feel comfortable, share them during the celebration. Please RSVP to vpieragastini@gmail.com or call 440-220-0697.
The family requests donations be made to the National Ataxia Foundation (https://www.ataxia.org/ways-to-give/) in Carmen's memory.