Elio J. D'Errico

Age 89 of Scott Twp, on Friday, May 10, 2024.  Beloved husband of 54 years to the late Carole J. (Zvonik) D’Errico.  Loving father of David A. D’Errico and Michelle L. (Jerry) Stovka.  Cherished grandfather of Jordan, Grace and the late Camryn Stovka. Brother of Michele D'Errico (Paula) of Sulmona, Italy. 

Elio was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend.  We will forever admire his strength, perseverance, and pride in all things Italian.    

He was born in Roccaraso, Italy in 1935, but spent most of his young life in Pescocostanzo, a charming, quaint town in the Abruzzi region of Italy. During World War II, when the German troops occupied Pesco, all the residents were forced to evacuate. Seven years old at the time, he fled into the mountains with his grandmother and brother.   They found refuge in a shepherd’s cottage, and stayed there for several months, until the Germans retreated.   On Christmas eve 1950, at the age of 15, he emigrated to America by himself, in search of a better life.  He had little money and spoke very little English.  With family already settled in Bloomfield, he lived with his uncle while he learned English and other skills.  At the age of 22, he proudly served in the U.S Army and reserves.   He especially enjoyed playing soccer, and it is there that he met his lifelong partner, Carole, on a blind date.

They married, and raised their family in Morningside and later Scott Township.  Elio worked two jobs for most of his life, but loved his work.   His job/trade of choice was commercial heating and air conditioning.  His passion, however, was antique cars. With a sewing machine and a bolt of leather, he could reupholster a car interior, like no other.  In addition, he was truly a jack of all trades, and a master of EVERYTHING!   There were very few things that he couldn’t do… from cement work to wood work, his skill set was amazing.  He was, however, strong willed and stubborn, and there were certain things that he just didn’t like to do, some of which included yardwork, Christmas decorating, bills and paperwork.  

Elio’s true love, however, was his family.  On a moment’s notice, he would drop everything and do ANYTHING his family asked, from odd jobs to last-minute emergency babysitting.  He especially loved and adored Jordan and Grace, and referred to them as the “loves of his life”.  He spent every moment he could with them, and never missed a school function, parade, or sporting event, and they loved and adored him in return.  He also had a very, special bond with Jerry, whom he treated like a son.  They spent many a weekend at their mountain cabin, talking, smoking a good cigar, and reminiscing about life.

Elio and Carole traveled the world.  From Alaska to Australia, they truly loved traveling and meeting new friends along the way. After retirement, they also enjoyed mornings at the gym, for a yoga class and a workout, followed by coffee and conversation. In 2015, Carole passed away, and Elio’s world was shattered.  He lost his wife, travel partner and lifelong companion.  

By chance, he befriended a wonderful group of gentlemen at Panera.  They would meet for coffee twice a day, every day.  He was fondly referred to as the “Grand Master”, as he welcomed new members to their coffee clutch.

Elio courageously battled cancer for eighteen months.   He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, but he is now reunited with his beloved wife.  

The family would like to extend a special thanks to UPMC Family Hospice, especially Sandy, Rosie and Darlene for their love and compassion.  We would like to thank the entire staff at Greentree Skilled Nursing and Rehab for their dedication and care.  Most importantly, we would like to thank his extended family, friends and neighbors for all they have done during the past several months.

Family and friends are welcome Monday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, 1650 Greentree Road, Scott Township, 15220 (412 563-2800).  Funeral Service Tuesday 11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home.   

www.slaterfuneral.com