Richard Pinto

Richard Pinto, 96, passed away peacefully at home on April 29, 2026 with his wife Luciana and his daughter Evas by his side. He was predeceased by his parents, James Pinto and Josephine (DiCamillo) Pinto, his older brother Arthur Pinto, and his younger sister Joan (Pinto) Pascucci.

Born May 11, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York, Richard grew up in a busy, loving household with a close extended family living all around him. He began playing the piano at 9 years old, and played on the same baby grand piano from his teen years into his 90s. Having perfect pitch and a love of performing, Richard became an incredibly accomplished musician, writing music and playing the piano up until days before his death.

He served in the Air National Guard during the Korean War at the March Air Force Base in California, playing the piano for servicemen in the Air Force Band for several years.

He met his future wife, Luciana (Miron) Pinto, in 1958 when she was his waitress at her family’s Italian restaurant in Brooklyn, NY, called Mama Tury Restaurant. When she asked if he wanted anything else, he replied, “Yes, you!” It was love at first sight for

both of them. They dated with an English/Italian dictionary, and six months later were married on June 27, 1959. They were married for almost 67 years, and their love story inspired everyone around them, deeply devoted to one another and true partners in life.

Richard and Luciana had two daughters, Michelle (Pinto) Patrizio and Evas (Pinto) Nelson, who they raised in Valley Stream, New York. Richard worked in real estate for the City of New York as his day job, but weekends were all about music, playing with his band in weddings and other events. When not playing music, they enjoyed many weekend family camping trips in the summer, along with Luciana’s parents, who adored Richard. After retiring, he also worked in Luciana’s family restaurant.

After they raised their children, Richard and Luciana settled in Pompano Beach, Florida, where they lived for another 34 years, building a strong community of friends who became like family. Richard always wanted to live in the warm weather, and could often be found enjoying a nice nap while basking in the sun.

Family was everything to Richard, and he adored his five grandchildren, their partners, and two great-grandchildren, who in turn adored their Poppy: Alec Patrizio, Minnie Zhang, and their children Luna & Leo; Casey Patrizio & Rachel Eby; Olivia (Nelson)

Charbonnier & Cameron Charbonnier; Remi Patrizio; and Logan Nelson. He also leaves behind his son-in-law, Eric Nelson (Evas), nephew, James Pascucci, his partner Gary Mauro (who were like sons to Richard) and many other beloved nieces and nephews.

Once Richard and Luciana moved to the Court at Palm Aire in 2023, he began playing the piano before lunch and dinner most evenings for the other residents. The waiting area became known around the building as the Richard Pinto Piano Lounge, and he had a large fan base who looked forward to hearing him play each day.

Richard was a consummate storyteller and loved to play games of all kinds. He had a sweet tooth and enjoyed an ice cream or an affogato at any time of the day. Richard was an incredibly gentle person; he was eager to offer a smile, a laugh, and a story to everyone in his life, whether it be to his community of friends and family, or a stranger. His personality, charm, and wit were his trademark. Richard was always well-dressed, well-fed, and well-loved, thanks to his beloved wife. He adored Luciana and happily followed her every direction, always quick to offer a “Yes, Dear!” She was his everything. Richard was loved tremendously, and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made in Richard's honor to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now

Visitation will be held at Kraeer Funeral Home @ Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064, US, on May 2, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Kraeer Funeral Home @ Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064, US, on May 3, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064, US, on May 3, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.