Obituary of David Pierato

David Pierato, 79, of Louisville, KY, died in his home on February 14, 2014. He was born and raised in Frankfort, KY, where his family owned and operated a fruit and vegetable market, the Guidi Fruit Company in downtown Frankfort. David attended and graduated from Good Shepherd School in Frankfort, and graduated with a B.S. in psychology in 1956 from Xaiver University in Cincinnati, OH, where he was a member of the philosophy and psychology scholastic clubs. After his undergraduate studies, he traveled extensively throughout Europe for three months before enlisting in the U.S. Army where he was a radar operator and instructor stationed in Worms, Germany. During his enlistment, David also taught algebra at the Armed Services Night School. His time in the military lead to his discovery of his passion for teaching and so after his discharge from the Armed Services, he returned to Xaiver University as well as attending the University of Cincinnati, to take graduate courses in order to obtain the necessary training and education to obtain his Ohio teacher’s certificate. Upon receiving his teaching certificate, David began his over two-and-a-half decades as a highly respected and sought after teacher in the Cincinnati Public School System. He began his career teaching English at Heinwold Junior High School, and then moved on to teach at Gamble Junior High School, Western Hills High School, where he was the Breeze (school newspaper) faculty advisor as well as teaching English, journalism, and rock poetry, and he ended his career at Walnut Hills High School, where he retired in 1986. David was a teacher who loved the craft of teaching and the joy of sharing knowledge and experience with eager students who shared in the wonder of learning. Throughout his teaching career, David touched the lives of many students, through his unique teaching style, compassion and caring for his students, and his love of the education process. David loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit all parts of the world. His favorite destinations always included water, beautiful beaches, and gorgeous sunsets. He loved listening and teaching about music and especially enjoyed jazz, classical, and opera. He was a great conversationalist about all things having to do with the theatre, television, and film, and had an undying passion for NPR. He was a lover of gourmet food and wine – one of his greatest pleasures in life was an evening spent cooking delicious meals (sans recipes) for his friends and family. He strongly believed in giving back which was evident in his support of many artistic and environmental causes throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ugo and Norma Pierato of Frankfort, KY. He is survived by his sister, Loredana Dempsey (Charles) of New Albany, IN, and two nephews, Mark Dempsey of New Albany, IN, and David Dempsey of Chicago, IL. He will be missed not only by his family, but by the many friends and students whose lives he touched during his time with us. Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2014, at Rogers Funeral Home. A service of remembrance will immediately follow. The funeral mass will be held at noon on Friday, February 21, 2014, at Good Shepherd Church, with visitation from 11 a.m. to noon. There will be no graveside service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to, Louisville Public Media (NPR), 619 S. Fourth St., Louisville, KY 40202.