Vito Stefano Pesce

 Vito Stefano Pesce passed away on Monday, March 28, 2022, at his home in Frederick, Maryland. He was 94.

He is survived by his daughters, Menikina (Robert) and Antonietta, and by his grandchildren, Stephen and Chiara. He is also survived by his brother, Giovanni and his sister, Isabella, both of Toronto, Canada. He was predeceased by his wife, Chiara, son, Joseph, brother, Domenico, and sister, Romana.

Born in Mola di Bari, Italy on October 7, 1927 to parents Domenica Gentile and Onofrio Pesce, Stefano was the eldest of five children, and ultimately became the patriarch of the family. He immigrated to Canada in 1958, and met, and then married, Chiara Pulito in Mola di Bari in 1961. They originally settled in Toronto, and subsequently moved to Brooklyn, New York to pursue all that the United States and the American Dream had to offer.

Stefano worked for Ford Motor Company and New York Life Insurance Company. He held positions of increasing responsibility and oversaw a large team of craftsmen who provided business and residential facilities management and maintenance services in high-profile and landmark buildings in New York, including The Galleria and Manhattan House. Through his work ethic, dedication, and commitment to excellence, he earned the personal trust of notable dignitaries with residences in the properties he managed.

Stefano was a devoted husband to Chiara, a loving father to Menikina, Joseph, and Antonietta, and an adoring grandfather to Stephen and Chiara. He cherished his family above all else. He instilled in them the importance of education and in taking every opportunity afforded them to excel, prosper, and grow, and to live a full and better life. He held Canadian and United States citizenships, both of which he was proud to achieve.

Stefano loved Italian opera and could be heard singing his favorite arias on most mornings. He was an amazing cook. Family meals were important to him, as a time to gather and share the learnings and news of the day. He was a prolific gardener of flowers, fruit trees, and vegetables, which he shared with family, friends, and neighbors. He loved all-things nature, and natural. Nothing went to waste in his household; Stefano had an incredible knack for making use of just about everything. His hands were never idle. All of his dogs were beloved to him, and he was an ardent hockey fan. Those who knew and loved him will remember him for his larger-than-life presence, his generous heart, his quick wit, and his gregarious laugh. He had seemingly boundless energy and creativity. He welcomed all into his home and shared an abundant table, while captivating his guests with his storytelling. But most of all, he shared his love for life and for his family, forever cherished.

Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6 at the Molesworth-Williams Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus, Maryland, 20872. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 9450E Damascus Road, Damascus, Maryland, 20872.

( For those attending the visitation and services a mask or adequate face covering will be required.)

Entombment for Stefano will be held Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM at Greenwood Cemetery, 500 25 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232.

Online condolences may be shared with his family on our website at www.molesworthwilliams.com

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