Santo Pezzutti passed away Dec. 3, 2023, at the age of 101, concluding a life well lived in every way. A man of remarkable integrity and creative energy, Santo’s life journey from Fontanafredda, Italy, to Middletown was marked by a profound commitment to family and a passion for art and sailing.
Born to Liberata Casagrande Pezzutti and Agostino Pezzutti, Santo’s early years in Italy laid the foundation for a culturally rich life. His journey through Ellis Island to join his father in America, alongside his mother and sister Norma, was a testament to the family’s aspiration and resilience. The Pezzutti family settled in Nutley and grew with the addition of his sister Terry Sullivan and brother David.
His decision to volunteer for the Army during World War ll, despite an opportunity to work on a top-secret U.S. military project, demonstrated his sense of duty and patriotism. After the war, he returned to New Jersey for art school, where he met another artist, Gertrude Doherty, who became his beloved wife of 59 years until her passing. Their marriage blossomed into a loving family of four children – Carol, Diane, Grace (born Lynn) and Paul (spouse Nanette).
Santo spent the majority of his career as an art director in New York City, but he always found time to produce his own fine art. This passion was capped by his successful Centennial Art Show at the Guild of Creative Arts in 2021.
His extraordinary talent and entrepreneurial spirit also showed through other creations like the Story Book Farm in Parsippany in the late 1950s and the Little Miss No Name doll, released by Hasbro in 1965.
Throughout an adventurous life, he always found happiness close to home – racing sailboats at the Monmouth Boat Club, playing bocce in the backyard with family, and enjoying his nightly cocktail at 5 p.m. (sharp). His relationship with Kitty Parisi in his later years added another chapter of companionship and joy.
Santo set a wonderful example for his children, nine grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly.
A Memorial Gathering was held Dec. 11 at John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Art Alliance of Red Bank, the Guild of Creative Art of Shrewsbury or Monmouth Boat Club in Red Bank, would be a fitting tribute to Santo’s legacy.
This article originally appeared in the December 14 – 20, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
