Patrick Joseph Pirraglio

Our Dad, Grandpa, Big Grandpa, left this world peacefully on May 27th, 2024 in his home located in West Jordan, Utah. Our heartfelt Thanks to Auburn Crest Hospice and Dr Michael Sanderson for their care and attention to Dad’s comfort in his last months.

Dad’s life was filled with stories and I was privileged to hear them over the years.

Life began for Dad in Salida, Colorado on a cold day, February 1st, 1931. Born of parents Mary Romero Casados and Augustine Casados, my dad’s life started out with stories to tell.

His Mother, Mary, needed to put the little man next to the oven to keep him warm as the days and nights were very cold. Dad always said that was where he got his great skin coloring from…�� His family was numerous with the Vigil’s, the Luna’s, the Duran’s, the Casados/Apodaca’s and the Gallegos all living in the area. Dad recalls his grandmother Noverta Casados for her kindness, her caring and how much he loved her. He recalled memories of times with his cousins when he was just a young guy. The bike rides, the swimming pools, the family gatherings and picking fruit in the orchards.

The years went by, and challenges came early in life as his father Gus was absent in his life until his mother Mary met Zeke Pirraglio. Zeke became Dad’s father in every sense of the word, and he loved him dearly. Zeke came into Dad’s life along with 3 kids (Katherine, Margaret and Robert). The family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah for work where Zeke worked as a Miner.

There were other moves along the way for work, but Dad stayed in Salt Lake with his Grandma Roberts (his mother’s mother) and continued his education. West High School, football and odd jobs took him through most of his teenage years. At the age of 17, Dad decided to join the Army. His last name was officially changed to Pirraglio through the Army and his adventures across the seas began. At about 19 years of age, Dad was sent to Germany as a Private First Class with the Engineer Group working with light equipment. Dad received a good conduct medal –” National defense Service Medal” during his time in the service and was Honorably discharged with the rank of Sgt. in 1954. Dad’s friends were many, and of course there were a couple of “frolleins” along the way. Dad enjoyed lifetime friendships and his stories were numerous of the time he spent in the service.

Dad returned from the service to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1954 and eventually moved to Park City, Utah with his uncle John Roberts and family, where he met and began his life with Francis LaRae Sexton. They married in 1955 and over the years became the parents of 3 boys and one girl (deceased). Park City, Utah became home, and Dad’s jobs ranged from various Construction jobs to what became his dream job - law enforcement.

Dad’s love for community and the kids of Park City was evident by all the things Dad was involved in. The Memorial building became a place known for mentoring the youth, for gatherings and dances. The events that Dad helped arrange, the kids’ lives he touched and the renovations of the building he helped make happen, were highlights of his life. Dad’s stories are endless of his time in service to the Park City Police Department. There was a short period of time when Dad worked for Kmart security before returning to the police force. As a detective – Chief investigator, Dad handled many interesting cases and as well as some high-profile cases along with the police department and his team. After returning, the program “Shop with a Cop” was brought to and established in Park City. Many kids over the years have enjoyed a holiday which they only dreamed of before this program was initiated. The program continues in Park City to this day and Dad was honored by his fellow officers for all he contributed to the police department and the program during his 38 years.

Dad loved all sports – be it football, basketball, golf, etc. and rarely missed a Bears game or a University of Utah football game on TV. Dad loved to camp and hunt although the years found him doing less of that. Fishing was questionable and always made for great stories. Dad was a little bit of a gambler in life and a road trip to Wendover was always a great time as he did well at the tables. He loved to play the odds and was always a winner!

Dad was blessed with many grandkids, great grandkids and enjoyed the company of his neighbors and friends whether in Midway or in West Jordan after Mom’s passing.

I was privileged and honored to enjoy my Dad in life, hear his stories, remember his laughter - which was contagious, and help in his care at the end of his life. Over the years I got to know the man I called “Dad” better, and those days/years will always stay with me.

Dad you are dearly missed by me….by family…and by your many friends. Your contribution to life touched many and you will always be in our hearts.

May the Lord bless and keep you and may the reunion of loved ones be as amazing as you were.

Until we meet again …we love you .... your son, Pat!

Thank you to Probst Family Funeral Home for all their attention to detail and their kindness.

Thank you to Hans Monument for completing the beautiful headstone.

Patrick Joseph Pirraglio
Burial 06/01/2024
Heber City Cemetery, Utah