James Pizzorno

James Pizzorno, 83, of Abilene, passed away on December 7, 2024.

Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Hamil Family Funeral Home. The Rosary will occur at 6:00pm. 

 Funeral services will be held at 10:30 Monday, December 16, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Monsignor Fred Nawarskas officiating. The Burial will follow at Texas Veterans Cemetery. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

 Jim was born in Los Angeles, California to Emil and Joanne Pizzorno on April 6, 1941. He graduated from Cantwell High School and went to Loyola University in Los Angeles, CA. He married Mary Collins on July 18, 1964, in Los Angeles, CA. 

Lt. Col Pizzorno was a highly decorated career U.S. Air Force pilot. Over his 26-year career, he flew three tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and numerous other decorations. Jim transitioned into teaching and taught for fifteen years in the Abilene Independent School District.

 After retirement he served on various organizations and boards including the Abilene Philharmonic Association and the Abilene Philharmonic Foundation, where he and his wife were recognized as Guild Gala Honorees. He was also involved in the Historic Swenson House Society, the Center for Contemporary Arts, the Friends of the Abilene Public Library, and active in church liturgy. 

 Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Joanne Pizzorno and his brother, Edward Pizzorno. 

 Jim is survived by his spouse, Mary Pizzorno; his children Pamela Winkels and her husband, Jim, Michael Pizzorno and his partner, Arina, and Angela Cabrera; His grandchildren Justin Comparetto,  Megan Hamman and her husband Stuart, Corbin Cabrera, Gillian Cabrera, Leticija Bingelite and Sarah-Anne Pizzorno. 

Pallbearers will be Michael Pizzorno, Richard Pizzorno, Jim Winkels, Justin Comparetto, Corbin Cabrera, and Neil Tatom.

 Memorials may be given to the Abilene Philharmonic or the Historic Swenson House Society.