John Francis Piselli of Woodbury Hill died Sunday August 28, 2016 at River Glen in Southbury, CT. John was Brooklyn-born and raised in a large family with hardworking immigrant parents. After serving in World War II in the Navy on the USS Sandoval, resupplying equipment and troops to Pacific Islands and bringing back tired Marines, He earned a BA at Syracuse University and a MA and Superintendent's certification at Columbia University on the GI Bill and married Kathleen. He taught high school English until he became the well-liked principal of the very diverse P.S. 64 Elementary School in NYC's Lower East Side through the turbulent sixties and seventies. He also taught English as a Second Language at night and served as an examiner, still finding time for sports with his children, visits to the Met to hear his beloved operas, and taking memorable family trips. He ended his career as principal of Marie Curie JHS in Queens, NY though he never lost his interest and concern for public education. The couple moved from New York to the new development at Woodbury Hill, Woodbury in 1986. He was an avid swimmer, golfer, and tennis player with our friend, Eve; attended Syracuse football games and followed all Mets games. They hosted costume parties; he loved singing in St. Teresa's choir and made new lifelong friends. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Kathleen, a brother, Tony Piselli, of Freeport, NY., his son John Piselli and his wife Patty of Jacksonville, Fl., his daughter Kathyanne Piselli of Atlanta, Ga., and his son Matthew Piselli of NYC, along with grandchildren Cora McLean, Alana Piselli, Johnny Piselli, and Michael Piselli. Together with so many friends, neighbors and former students we remember and love this generous, charming, and caring man.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted to the volunteer Eucharistic Ministers serving Sacred Heart Church.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: Sacred Heart Church

Services: A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 3rd at 10 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church Chapel in Southbury. There will be no calling hours. Friends and family are asked meet at the Chapel.