Donald G. Piretti, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully at home on September 16, 2024, at the age of 88 years old.
Born in Great Barrington to Bartolomeo Piretti and Edith Togninalli, Donald spent a signicant amount of his life in Lenox before moving to Connecticut and then retiring to the Treasure Coast of Florida.
Don grew up in Canaan, Conn., where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and baseball at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. Upon graduating, he spent a year playing baseball at the University of Connecticut before enlisting in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. During his years of service, he played baseball for the Army, and following his discharge, he played for Winsted in the semi-pro Interstate League. While catching fastballs, the beautiful Donna Lee Stevens also caught his eye. It was love at first sight. She became his wife on August 26, 1961, and their romance would last a lifetime with them recently celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary.
Donald was known for his remarkable ability to make a friend in whatever situation he found himself. He was a natural salesperson who found great success in the automobile business, eventually leading to an ownership position at Slattery Buick-Jeep in Pittsfield. Even after selling the business and moving to South Windsor, Conn., his talents and charm would make him a strong addition to every dealership he joined.
Donald charisma, storytelling, and infectious laughter filled any space he was in; no one was a stranger to Don for very long, and he had a way of always finding connections between the people he met and those he already knew, regardless of distance. He thrived in social settings and had a knack of always finding himself in one. Don and Donna were well known for their gatherings and parties with fun themes; they were an exemplary team when it came to hosting. Cards and dominoes were two of Don’s favorite ways to keep his mind sharp, and his relentless pursuit to complete puzzles was well known to his family.
Don was an exceptional and avid golfer for much of his life and enjoyed his time at Greenock Country Club in Lee. If there was a sport to be discussed, Don was always a ready and willing conversationalist, and watching sports was one of his favorite pastimes. It was a passion he passed on to all three of his sons as well. In fact, when his sons took up hockey, he learned the game and coached them in his boots despite having never played. He became a board member with Tri-Town Youth Hockey and made significant contributions to that program.
Don was the dad all his son’s friends loved to talk to and hang out with. His family will miss the twinkle in his eye and the way he beamed with joy when he was with them.
Donald leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend of 63 years, Donna Piretti; his loving and devoted sister Patricia White; his three sons, Steven Piretti and wife Carmela, Larry Piretti and wife Ramona, and Gregory Piretti and partner Nataly Viehweider; his granddaughter Alyssa Hanna and husband Tyler; his grandson Justin Piretti and wife Kayla; his granddaughter Lana Piretti; his great-grandchildren, Knox and Oaklie Hanna; and other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A special thank you to Michael Bryce, his devoted caretaker.
