22 May 1929 – 2 Feb 2004
Husband of Suzanne Nelson
“Gone to the Pasta Factory in the Sky”
Don Pisciotta touched many lives. Don did not find Salt Lake City but Salt Lake City found Don. In 1962 Don was an executive for a New York engineering company. His plane broke down requiring him to spend the night. Typical Don, he explored the area and realized that Utah had many business opportunities leading to the formation of Devenco-Utah, a top 50 engineering firm, in the late 1960’s. He purchased the company and changed the name to DLP Associates. Don retired at the age of 49 when he sold the firm in 1978.
Don’s success in business was only surpassed by his success in building durable bonds of love and friendship. His warm heart, friendly smile, and sharp sensibilities were manifested in frequent embraces and reached a zenith during festive meals filled with laughter. Because of his boundless love for people and deep compassion, he had an uncanny ability to bring out the best in those around him.
Don was a child at heart and had a unique way of relating to children at their level.
The Abbey of the Holy Trinity Monastery in Huntsville, Utah, always held a special place in Don’s heart. He loved the monks and the peace and solitude he found there.
The son of Italian immigrants, Don was born to Luciano Pisciotta and Antonina Genna on May 22, 1929 in Newark, New Jersey. He was one of eight children. He graduated from Seton Hall with a degree in theology. He served in World War II.
He is survived by sisters Catherine Colaneri, Elizabeth Notte, and Sandra Kuzma and brother Frank S. Pisciotta. He was preceded in death by brother Charles Pisciotta and sisters Vera Grassi and Anne Grossi.
He died Thursday, January 29, 2004 from complications of multiple illnesses and is survived by his wife Suzanne Nelson Pisciotta and four children Luciano Charles, Peter Paul, Carla Pisciotta, Leslie (Robert), and Diego Luciano.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Donald L. Pisciotta Endowed Scholarship Fund in Health Sciences, University of Utah, 175 North Medical Drive East, 5th Floor Moran, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132.
The memorial service will be held on Monday, Feb. 2nd at 10 a.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Dr. Burial will follow at Mount Olivett. Family and friends may call at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary on Sunday, February 1st from 3-4 p.m.
– Published in the Deseret News Jan. 31, 2004
Mount Olivet Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah
