Lido J. Pisani

Lido John Pisani, 91, of Springfield, died on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at St. Joseph's Home. He was born November 14, 1920 in Lucca, Italy, the son of Paolo and Cesira Nutini Pisani. He married Vera Giannini in 1949 in Lucca, Italy, and they were married for 56 years. She preceded in him death in 2005. Lido obtained his aeronautical engineering degree from the University of Pisa, Italy. During World War II, he was a POW in a work camp in Austria. After their marriage in 1949, Lido and Vera came to the United States. When attending night school to learn English, Lido took a job at a factory to support his family. With his new language skills and citizenship, Lido was employed as a hydraulic engineer with the State of Illinois, a position from which he retired in 1983 after 28 years. Lido's strong work ethic and devotion to his family were well known. He was a devout Catholic and charter member of Christ the King Church where he served as a Sunday usher. Along with his wife, Lido volunteered at St. Joseph's Home and served "Meals on Wheels" to people in the area. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Roman Cultural Society, as well as in a bowling league throughout his adulthood. He is survived by six children, Paula (husband, Michael) Furst of Lake Barrington, Illinois; Louis (wife, Ann Grabski) Pisani of Overland Park, Kansas; Frank (wife, Jan Spencer) Pisani of New Berlin, Illinois; Nancy (husband, Jim) Doglio of Kirtland, Ohio; Joseph (wife, Jody Zock) Pisani of Auburn, Illinois; and Mary (husband, Steve) Contri of Springfield; nine grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. An additional visitation will be held from 9:00-9:45 a.m. on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at St. Joseph's Home. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at St. Joseph's Home, 3306 S. 6th St. Rd., Springfield, with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Joseph's Home, 3306 S. 6th St. Rd., Springfield, IL 62703.