A Man For All Seasons:  A Man For Us All.

A legacy is founded on Bravery.   In time, it becomes Greatness. Survived by his wife, Sandra Jeanne Pistolesi, daughter Gina Elizabeth Schimming, and Granddaughter Stephanie Renee Campot; Joseph Pistolesi, Jr. left us on Monday, November 26, 2018.

And so it was that in the early 1900's, Joseph and Gina Bauga Pistolesi arrived at Ellis Island, settled in Alexandria, VA, and in time, welcomed seven children, the youngest:  Joseph Pistolesi, Jr.

Raised with faith and strong family heritage, Joe and his brothers and sisters were anchored in the Catholic faith. As they grew, they enjoyed the fellowship and guidance of the Catholic Young Adults Club (CYAC).  Indeed, all of the Pistolesi children met their spouses through CYAC, and joined in marriages which are just as strong and devoted today.   Finally, one blessed day, at a CYAC function, Joe's eyes alighted upon a lovely young lady, Sandra Jeanne Smith, and in an instant, a new inspiration – and a new destiny – was born!

Joe and Sandy's wedding, at the new Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Arlington, VA, was the very first wedding to bless this beautiful edifice.  Their love bloomed and grew ever stronger and deeper:  54 years walking side by side.  Daughter Gina's arrival, and the joys of her childhood and growing up, made life all the sweeter.  In 1991, a blessed new generation arrived with Granddaughter Stephanie, and Joe gloried in his role as Granddad.

Joe and Stephanie – always a devoted team:  cheering her on in marching band, sharing and supporting her through all the ups and downs of life, helping her to become the strong and loving young woman she is today.

And now, the rest of the story: Joe's skills and expertise that formed the firm foundation on which to build such an enduring family dynasty:

First trained as an Optician, serving President Lyndon B. Johnson, Joe transitioned to the role for which he will always be remembered:  apprenticing and mastering the skills of a gourmet meat cutter, famous for his custom rendering of Chateaubriand, and relied upon for custom aging and expert preparation of beef and venison.  His facilities were among the very best, and his work graced the tables of Hollywood stars, NFL Hall-of-Famers, and D.C.'s finest.

Indeed, it was through a friendship with Joe Theismann – still in the same region-- that Joe and Sandy acquired their lovely farm in Lovettsville VA, and began a new passion:  In 1992, from the mentorship of Jerry and Sandy Musyj, Barrenfield Kennels, came the creation of Battlefield, Joe and Sandy's bloodline, headed by Am/Can Ch. Battlefield Bunker Buster, began 40 years of breeding the very best in soundness, movement, temperament, and health.

To celebrate the life of this wonderful man, we lift our hearts and our voices today, and sing this hymn of praise:

A Man For All Seasons

For All our years,

Full of Blessings; never tears,

For every gift he gave, for every reason,

For Family and Friends,

Forever Our Dad, Our Granddad, Our Joe,

We love you, Our Man For All Seasons.

Family will receive friends on Monday, December 10, 2018 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg, 201 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE, Leesburg, VA  20176.  A memorial service will begin at 11:00 am.