James A. (Buddy) Pingatore Obituary

James A. (Buddy) Pingatore , 84, of Starkville, Mississippi died on July 3, 2014 in Columbus, MS after a brief illness. Mr. Pingatore was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on July 11, 1929. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Joan L. (Burket) Pingatore, also of Johnstown, PA. He is survived by three daughters, Kimberly A. Pingatore of Keswick, VA, Lynn P. Peters (Chris) of Pensacola, FL, and Janice P. Mazzola (Mike) of Starkville, MS. He is also survived by three granddaughters, Christine, Alexandra, and Kelley Mazzola, all of Starkville, MS. In addition, he is survived by a stepsister Barbara J. Pingatore of Johnstown, PA.
Mr. Pingatore was a 1948 graduate of Johnstown High School. He was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the US Air Force from 1951 to 1955. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh (BSEE) and Old Dominion University (ME), he was employed by the Department of the Navy for 35 years. During this time he received numerous awards and recognition for outstanding service, including the Meritorious Civilian Service Award upon his retirement in 1995. He enjoyed golfing and traveling. He and Joan were well known for their passion for round dancing during their years living in VA. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Starkville, MS. Visitation will be on Monday, July 14th at 9 a.m. followed by mass at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Park in Starkville, MS. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation America, 322 8th Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001 or alzfdn.org. You may go online and sign our guest register at www.welchfuneralhomes.com.