Matthew Pipitone's Obituary
Matthew T. Pipitone
July 11, 1929 - May 17, 2026
Matthew Pipitone (96) of Wesley Chapel, FL, passed away on May 17, 2026.
Matthew “Sonny” was born in Belleville, NJ on July 11, 1929, to Sam and
Mamie Pipitone. He had many fond and funny memories of playing street games while growing up in Hoboken, NJ. In his late teens, he lived and worked on a farm in Oklahoma, enjoying nature and time away from the city life. He was an alumni of the University of Oklahoma and earned a masters degree from Columbia University. Sonny was an Army veteran who served in Germany as a medic during the Korean War. He loved reminiscing about how he met and courted his wife, Vincenza “Chanzie” Laino, who were married for 64 years. In 1955, they moved to Miami, Florida where they raised their three sons, Edward, Nicholas, and Matthew Jr.. Sonny was proud of being an educator of math and science,and later a guidance counselor in Miami-Dade County Public Schools for over 30 years.
After retiring, Sonny enjoyed beating his Century Village friends in poker and
sometimes winning 25 cents! He was always in search of a deal! He loved
finding lunch specials and early bird dinners with Chanzie. He liked preparing
family meals, sometimes followed with teaching the grandchildren how to
play poker! Celebrations were not celebrations without a massive Costco apple
pie or chocolate cake! Even though he was adept at using the computer and
kept up with modern technology, at 96, he maintained the thoughtfulness of
sending a handwritten thank you note.
He is survived by his two sons, Edward (Janine) and Nick (Mary); his
grandchildren, Samantha and Vanessa, Nicholas (Breanna), Anthony (Sabrena);
his great grandchildren, Addison and Isabel; his brother, Joseph (Elizabeth),
and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Matthew was preceded in
death by his wife Chanzie, son Matthew Jr., and sister Josephine Magrone.
A private memorial service will be held on Friday, June 5, at 11:30 AM at the
Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your charity or church of choice
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Share a story where Matthew's kindness touched your heart.
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