John Pinto Obituary

The first time I visited the Pinto's in Charleston, SC was in the spring of 1980. I was nervous. Up to then I had met Unle John as a young girl and had been intimidated by him; he was stern and strict and had a booming voice. Looking back on it, I guess he had to be strict, given that he managed a houseful of the orneriest boys East of the Mississippi! He was a good father to his children, thouhg, and everyone of them grew up to be fine, upstanding adults who love him dearly and respect him fiercely. He was a father figure to many of the cousins in his extended family, too. We always knew he was just a phone call away.
During that same visit, I took a trip to Florida to see my paternal granddad. The morning I was to leave, Uncle John was waiting for me - with a thermos of coffee, a roll of quarters (no cell phones in 1980) and maps. He had mapped my route through three states with bright red magic marker!
The last time I was able to visit Charleston was 17 years ago today. That morning Uncle John was in his kitchen making his awesome scrambled eggs for my breakfast when the phone rang. The young man on the line said, "Mr. Pinto, turn your TV on. A plane just crashed into the World Trade Center." Like most Americans, we spent the better part of the next week alternating being mesmerized by the television and talking through our grief. We talked the horror to death, Uncle John and I, and I am thankful for the solace of his wisdom and kindness, his "fatherliness". After that week we never spoke of 9/11 again, as if it became our unspoken solidarity. But I never forgot the wisdom of his counsel in those fisrt harrowing days.
In 2012 we hosted our 1st Hawaiian Luau Patton Family Reunion at the Patton's place in Grandview, MO. The Pinto's were overjoyed with the idea of surprising everyone and making the trip north for the reunion. Three years later, Uncle John came to the 2nd reunion without Aunt Ree. We shared some tender sweet moments and shed a few tears. I will be forever grateful that he came back for that was the last time I saw him.
Dear cousins I will close with these thoughts: Clearly, I loved John Pinto for many reasons; we all did. He was stern but gregarious; strict yet exuded fatherly warmth; he was smart and funny, he had a dry wit and loved to laugh; he turned out to be a surprisingly patient care-giver. He loved his family, and, by extension, all of us as much as we loved him. He will be so missed. I wish each of you comfort knowing he has gone home to his reward, and he is once again with Aunt Ree, where he always needed to be.
Terri Sherron
Sptember 11, 2018

PeeWee and I have many fond memories of your
father. Our prayers are with ya'll.
Love and condolences from
Marie O'Connor &
Sandra O'Connor Viano

To all of my Extended Pinto Family,
I hope that each one of you will find peace & comfort in the coming days, knowing that Poppa has gone to his final resting place. Though it was untimely, he lived 90 years and was a very loyal, independent, loving, caring, respected man & had a great sense of humor.
I am forever grateful for the awesome memories we made last summer on his last trip to the mountains. It's almost as if he knew, because he said numerous times that it would be his last visit. So glad he was able to make it to Pretty Place. I know that each of you have far more memories than I do, just keep them close to your heart.
I pray that each of you find strength to deal with his loss knowing he is reunited with the love of his life Marie, his baby girl Cindy, and our heavenly father.
I love you all,
Linda Lilley Price

Dear Joe ,
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Let the great memories bring a smile to your face. Prayers for peace for you and your family.

My name was misspelled on my previous entry. It is Matt Schwartz.

Tony,
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

What sad news to learn last night at church that Mr. Pinto had died. He and I sat on the same pew at the back of the church on Saturday nights for many years.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Carolyn Gorman

I have so many good memories of Uncle John. He was dear to all of our hearts. We didn't get to see him often but when we did it was so enjoyable. He would tell us stories that would make us laugh until we cried. Several times he would come to stay with me while he visited family in KC. I will miss him so very much but have nothing but very good memories of our times spent together. Rest in Peace, dear Uncle John. You were loved by all your KC nieces and nephews.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family now and in the days ahead. May you find some comfort in the wonderful memories you share. With deepest sympathy.

Uncle John will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his children and grandchildren.

Great Uncle John has held a big spot in my heart since a little girl. I will truly miss our phone chats and letters . Great Uncle John always made me feel good and made me laugh. My mother Betty Jean Webb (daughter of Stella Patton Webb) lived with Marie & John, before I was born. As a child, I remember such fond memories of visit The Pinto Family coming to The Lake of the Ozark's and swimming/boating/water skiing & paddle boating/Bar- B-Q at Stella & George Webbs lake place. Later in life, we enjoyed great fun at family reunions in Kansas City when Marie & John wouldcome back to Kansas City, Mo. Uncle John was always full of jokes and made us all laugh! My heart and prayers go out to The entire Pinto Family. Your family was truly blessed to have Great Uncle John in their lives.❤ To all my Charleston cousins, please stay in touch. I was named after Great Aunt Marie Pinto.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of my family.