Amerigo Pietropaoli

Amerigo “Pete” Pietropaoli, 98, of Alexandria, VA, formerly of Greensburg, passed away on July 10, 2026.  He was born on April 4, 1928, a son of the late Vicenzo and Elmerinda (Masilli) Pietropaoli, who has welcomed him to heaven along with his siblings, friends, and all his many unforgettable in-laws. He proudly served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion.  Upon his return he settled in the Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA area.  He worked at the Pentagon and retired from the American Historical Association. Following retirement, he volunteered at the local hospital and retirement center.  As a master organist, he brought joy to patients and residents with his musical talents.

He is preceded in death by his siblings, Jean (Jimmy) Damico, Susie (Angelo) Christopher, Agnes (Dan) Brownfield, Vincent (Maxine) Pietropaoli, Joseph (Rose) Pietropaoli, and Orlando (Peg) Pietropaoli; and brother-in-law, Donald Sompel.  He is survived by his last sister, Alvira Sompel; and by countless nieces and nephews from all over, including many from Italy.  He is also survived by a special niece, Vidala Saldana, who moved in years ago to take care of her Uncle Ric, who has since passed away but she remained to provide compassionate care for her adopted Uncle Pete. 

Living in the penthouse of Alexandria Knolls, Uncle Mego -- Pete to his friends -- lived a life full of generosity, warmth, and love.  He was known for his gracious heart and welcoming spirit who never turned anyone away.  He opened his home to visitors and delighted in showing them the beauty of the city in which he loved.  Whether he was driving friends through Washington, D.C. or filling his penthouse with the sound of music from his organ and piano, he made sure every guest felt cared for and celebrated.  Pete loved dancing. He and his sister Vera were favorites at family weddings, where they dazzled with their fancy footwear to the jitterbug and polkas and graced the dance floor with their flowing waltzes.

He was also a wonderful cook and entertainer.  His homemade salads with dressing from scratch, gourmet dinners, homemade desserts and his ever-open bar of endless wine made every gathering special.  His home was a place where laughter flowed as freely as the drinks, where memories were made around the table, and where even the occasional friendly argument only added to the joy of being together, which left an enduring mark on all who knew him.  Tom and Patsy were amongst the Saturday dinner regulars.

He especially cherished the time he spent with his family.  He deeply loved his sister, Vera, who visited him for over 75 years.  One of his greatest joys was the regular visits from his niece, Lisa, and her son, David II, who brought him endless happiness and pride.

His life was also enriched by the love and loyalty of his many friends and relatives.  Among those dearest to him were his lifelong companions, Ric Rios, Doug Harris, Wendell, Tom, Patsy, Myron, Willie, and all the others throughout his life.  He enjoyed his relationships with his in-laws, Dan, Don, Maxine, and Rose, who added entertainment to all the family functions.  Their friendships, which spanned decades, filled his world with laughter, support and treasured memories.

Another of his great joys was his cherished “90s Club,” a circle of four remarkable women whose ages ranged from 92-100.  Each year, he delighted in taking them to lunch and surprising them with flowers, a tradition that reflected his lifelong commitment to friendship and hospitality.

He had a love for flowers, especially roses.  He enjoyed receiving a box of fresh-cut blooms and carefully arranging them in a vase, filling his home with their beauty and fragrance.        

Recently, our Uncle Mego was blessed to make one last trip back to PA to celebrate his sister’s surprise 95th birthday, which turned out to be a mini-family reunion.  He was extremely happy and thankful to see everyone!   He loved seeing you all!

Pete, our beloved Uncle Mego, will be remembered for his laughter, music, cooking and his extraordinary gift of making everyone feel at home.  His positive attitude, legacy of love, generosity, and hospitality will live on in all the lives he touched.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 PM Friday, July 17, 2026, at the LEO M. BACHA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 516 Stanton Street, Greensburg where full military honors will immediately follow at 3 PM, and will be accorded by the VFW Post No. 33, Greensburg Honor Guard.  Private interment will take place in Greensburg Catholic Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity in memory of our beloved Uncle “Pete” Mego.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to his devoted caretaker, VeeVee, whose kindness and dedication throughout the years blessed Uncle Mego’s life every single day.  We also thank all of his dear friends, whose companionship meant the world to him.  He loved each of you so very much!  www.bachafh.com

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