Joseph Pieragostini III, 62, of Bridgeport, beloved husband of Miriam Perez Pieragostini and devoted father to Tess Pieragostini, died peacefully December 30, at St Vincent's Medical Center. Born in New Haven on June 2, 1955, he was the son of Olive Fay Armstrong Pieragostini and the late Joseph Pieragostini, Jr, of Trumbull.

His siblings and their spouses, William and Katja Pieragostini of Newtown, Elizabeth and Carlos Zorrilla of Sugar Land, Texas, and Thomas Pieragostini of Trumbull; his mother-in-law, Paulina Perez of Bridgeport; his sister-in-law and her spouse, Mikki and Norbert Mayer of Orange; his brother-in-law and his spouse, Lazaro and Bonnie Perez of Stratford; as well as several nieces and nephews survive him.

His father-in-law, Ricardo Perez, predeceased him.

Mr Pieragostini attended St Rose of Lima School in New Haven and graduated from St Catherine of Siena School and St Joseph High School in Trumbull.

His loved ones say he was a modern-day renaissance man. A gifted carpenter, cook, and restaurateur, Mr Pieragostini took great pleasure in his ability to create, making his work as an independent contractor and the owner and operator of the former Elizabeth's Tearoom in Newtown particularly meaningful to him.

He also had the gift of making friends wherever he went. His kindness, generosity, and dedication to those he loved made him a loyal friend. Aside from a vast array of talents and interests, his primary focus was always on his family. A devoted husband and father, he referred to himself as a "Mr Mom" and did everything he could to make his wife and daughter happy. Mr Pieragostini always placed great importance on being present in the lives of his loved ones, and this became even more apparent toward the end of his life.

Mr Pieragostini's perseverance, courage, and positive outlook on even the darkest of days serve as a testament to his character and as an inspiration to all who knew him. He was so loved and will be deeply missed by those who new him.

Friends may greet the family on Friday, January 5, from 4 to 8 pm, in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, January 6, at 9 am, at the funeral home, and at 10 am in St Charles Borromeo Church, Bridgeport, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport.

For online condolences, visit abriola.com.