Ferdinand Fred Joseph Pisacane

Ferdinand “Fred” Joseph Pisacane was born in the hills above Amalfi, Italy in the small town of Agerola in 1922 to Luigi and Teresa (nee Naclerio) Pisacane. He was one of four children, having two brothers and one sister. Fred’s parents were immigrants as was he; his father in fact had already established himself in American having fought in WW1 and opened a small grocery store in Forest Hills of Queens, New York. His father traveled home to Agerola to marry Theresa and it took him nearly four years to save enough money for the passage of his wife and young son Fred to join him in New York.

Fred was a very proud American and fondly recalled the memory he had at the age of 4 of seeing the statue of liberty for the first time. As the boat made its way into the New York harbor on a foggy morning with the sun just breaking through, his mother led young Fred by the hand up from steerage to the deck of the boat. The word had gone out that somewhere out in the fog was Lady Liberty. As they arrived on deck, she appeared. They were in the New World and Fred’s American dream began. Fred’s parents had little to no education, but were able to build a successful business, the White Rose Market that became a cornerstone of the Forest Hills community of Queens, New York. Having the Market enabled Fred’s family to not only survive the Great Depression, but also help many families that needed food and provisions. From here began Fred’s lesson of helping others and throughout his lifetime he shared generously of both his time and his treasures with many individuals, friends and numerous charities. His parent’s survival and determination during the Great Depression provided a foundation for Fred that would serve him well throughout his lifetime. His work ethic was admirable to say the least, and he expected that same drive from his children and others.

Fred was encouraged by his mother to vigorously pursue his studies from elementary school, through college. He was the first Pisacane of his generation to attend a higher education institution, making his family very proud by attending the University of Alabama. Fred proudly graduated from Alabama in 1944 with a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering and was an active member of the University Alumni Association until very recently.

While at the University, he was also a member of the ROTC. War clouds had already gathered over Europe when Fred entered college at Alabama. Upon graduation, he proudly served our country entering the United States Army Engineer Mountain Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, Company 126. He served overseas in Italy fighting against Germany where his survival skills and a great deal of God’s blessing saw him through some treacherous times. Bound for Japan on a carrier making its way through Gibraltar, Fred and the other Army soldiers were notified that World War 11 had ended.

After concluding his military service in 1946, he began his successful mining career with New Jersey Zinc and progressed to many other large mining firms, including Kaiser Engineers. He later joined the newly formed Mountain States Mining Engineers where he concluded his long career and eventually retired.

During the mid 1950’s Fred met his first love Marge, and they married in 1956. He often fondly recalled their beautiful wedding and celebration at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan along with their European adventures. They had six beautiful children; five boys and their one girl. Unfortunately, Margaret became ill and died within a very short span of time leaving Fred a widow and father to six children, the youngest having just turned four years of age. It was a very difficult time for the family but Fred’s faith, determination and survival skills got the family through a most challenging period. He often said that only God kept him going during this trying time.

Fred met Myra Kasik in 1977 and their love quickly blossomed. When they married the family grew to eight children between the ages of 8 and 20; seven of them boys! The once broken family was now finding its way thanks to the love of Myra. She and Fred were different in so many ways that often time’s folks could not see the marriage succeeding. Not only did their marriage succeed, but Fred and Myra shared nearly 40 years of marriage before her death in 2016. These years saw them rearing 8 children, with eventual marriages and 15 grandchildren. They shared in a love of many diverse hobbies from book club and being avid bridge players to world travelers. Their bond and love had a depth that profoundly inspired so many, especially their children.

Fred’s interests were extensive. He was a terrific dancer, loved to golf, play racquet ball and tennis, he played the piano and had great artistic talents, he loved music from Opera to Willy Nelson and boy could he carry a tune! He was absolutely the life of the party and knew how to have a good time. His intellect was equally vast. He was a gifted mathematician and loved history of all kind, including and especially the history of Christianity. He always had several books going at once and could discuss just about any topic at length from literature to scientific data. He was a long time subscriber to the Wall Street Journal which he read thoroughly each day. A very astute player in Wall Street, he loved nothing more than “being in the Market,” as he would say. His daily calls to his broker were nothing if not remarkable to listen to. His keen knowledge of the world and global influences served him well in his Market successes. When he learned you could check the market on an I-phone he quickly got one…at the age of 89! Fred enjoyed nothing more than a good cigar, with perhaps a little whiskey. He’d always say that “nothing but great conversation happens around a good cigar session with friends.”

While Fred had many tremendous accomplishments during his long life, his greatest of all would be his children, whom he loved above everything else. He treasured the individual personalities of each and always said that his children were his greatest joy! Fred was a very intuitive person and understood deeply the nuances of each of his six children and two stepsons. He so appreciated their unique personalities and was very proud of their individual accomplishments. He felt the same about each of his 15 grandchildren; he cherished each and could discuss their special gifts, talents, and personalities throughout his incredibly blessed lifetime with them.

Fred’s other great joy was his faith. His belief in God and the power of salvation brought by Jesus was what sustained him throughout his lifetime, but especially in the last two years. He embraced that fact that nature would come for all and when his time came he would go home to eternal rest in Heaven. His belief was an incredibly beautiful thing and a gift he would share with anyone willing to listen.

These last years were made better by having Fred close to family, especially the last 15 months when his age really caught up with him. Fred was an amazing father and a friend to many, he was an inspiring soul with a spirit and vitality that will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. Fred passed peacefully on Saturday, April 15, 2016 during Holy Saturday. This was most fitting as Easter was his favorite holiday because he so believed in the Glory of the Resurrection of Christ. Today Fred is at rest, and reunited with his two dance partners Marge and Myra. We know that he will continue to guide us, to motivate us and to watch over us in the days ahead. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

“But when I walked through Heaven’s gates, I felt so much at home

When God looked down and smiled at me,

From His great golden throne,

He said, “This is eternity, and all I’ve promised you…

So when tomorrow starts without me,

Don’t think we’re far apart,

For every time you think of me,

I’m right here, in your heart.”

David M. Romano from When Tomorrow Starts Without Me