Obituary of Angelo Pugliese

Angelo Pugliese was born January 25, 1931 in Montefalcione in the province of Avellino outside of Naples, to Stanislao Pugliese and Maria Baldassarre. One of eight children, he developed two passions in life: carpentry and music. The first led to his family’s house being the first in Montefalcione to boast a third floor; the second led to the trumpet, an apprenticeship under a maestro, and eventually membership in the famed Bersaglieri band, noted around the world for their virtuosity running and playing at the same time. From 1952 until 1962, he lived in the Rome of Fellini and la dolce vita with the Bersaglieri and traveled extensively throughout Europe. In 1962, at the urging of his brother John, a master tailor in NY, he came to America. A chance encounter led to him meeting Lena Curra. Three months later they were married. He left behind Montefalcione and a musical career in Rome for a new life in a new world. In America, he worked as carpenter which permitted him to express his love for family and friends in the only way he knew how: by creating something both useful and beautiful. His love of work and craft came to define his life. With Lena, his wife of 57 years, he created a family of three children and five grandchildren, who mourn his passing. A man of few but well-chosen words, he inspired friendship and respect in all who met him. May his memory be a blessing for us all.