Alexander Frank Pinto, 84, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2022 with his loving family by his side. Al was born in Bridgeport on March 14, 1937 to Frank and Olympia (LaConte) Pinto. Al was the beloved husband of Mary Ellen (Skene) Pinto, whom he married in 1959. Al and Mary Ellen met at Stratford High on the very first day of high school. Al has been a Lordship resident for over 55 years where neighbors happily called out, “Hey, Al” anytime they saw him doing yard work, getting his coffee and newspaper at the corner market, or attending Mass at Our Lady of Peace Church.
Al was the most loving and devoted father to six children: Ellen, Danny, Jerry, Chris, Michael and Catherine. Al genuinely celebrated his kids’ successes and guided them through any setback with grace and love. Al also had a deep love and relationship with each of his children’s spouses, John, Indah, Melissa, Lauren and Butch.
One of Al’s greatest joys in life was being a grandfather to 11 grandchildren: Natalie, Aaron, Alex, Elizabeth, Cathlyn, Quinn, Lucia, Tate, Marina, Lane and Mac. Even sweeter, was the chance to see his entire family gathered around his pool on summer Sundays and holidays or around his dining room table on a Sunday because Mary Ellen had made “gravy.” (Italians know…) Al was extremely proud of the meeting place his home became to his family, immediate and extended. December 24th was an especially awaited event at the Pinto home where children of family and friends looked forward to a special visit with Santa every Christmas Eve. Al believed in building a strong family and spending time together. He instilled that ritual in his children and grandchildren and they are better for it. Professionally, Al spent many happy and dedicated years working for and managing LA Barnaby & Sons. It was not uncommon to drive through town and hear him say, “I put that roof on.” He loved being a salesman , interacting with people and making connections that lasted him a lifetime. He prided himself on getting to work rain or shine, always dressed impeccably.
For a few years on Sunday evenings, “Big Al” was a volunteer driver for the Stratford EMS on Able 1. After hosting Labor Day each September, Al and Mary Ellen enjoyed time on the Cape for well-deserved rest and relaxation and to spoil their grandkids with ice cream and beach time. Al also loved watching a good sporting event on TV or in person. Seeing his own kids and grandkids, play sports brought him immense joy. His children’s friends, teammates and coaches held “Mr. Pinto” in the highest regard.
In addition to his parents, Al is predeceased by his younger brother Frankie, whom he loved immensely and missed dearly. His sister, Catherine, survives him sisters in law Peggy and Lois (Ed), brother in law Jim, and many wonderful nieces and nephews who adored their “Uncle Al.”
The family would like to thank Al’s very kind and dedicated caregivers, Veronique and Nellie, hospice nurse Angela, and longtime physician and friend, Dr. Yousuf Ali. In 2010, Al spoke about living with Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome at the New Horizons New Hope Conference in Chicago. Al is revered by this community as being one of the oldest patients with this very rare blood disorder.
Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, February 28th at 11:30 a.m. Directly at Our Lady of Peace Church, 651 Stratford Road, Stratford. Friends may call on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at Pistey Funeral Home, 2155 Main Street, Stratford. The family requests that masks be worn. To promote social distancing, please follow the directions of attendants and signage. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wiskott Aldrich Foundation at PO Box 156 Austell, GA 30168 in an effort to fund ongoing research and treatment. You may also use this link:
https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E340959&id=5
Visit pisteyfuneralhome.com to express condolences online.
