Joseph F. Pescitelli, Jr. ’74

Died: November 28, 2023
Class of 1974

Joseph F. Pescitelli, Jr., New York, NY, died tragically November 28, 2023, when he was stabbed to death by a roommate at the Manhattan residence where he stayed.

A popular and successful NCAA basketball referee for many years, Joe was a longtime resident of Westfield, MA. After graduating from Westfield High School in 1970, he earned his history degree from Saint Michael’s before teaching history at Westfield, Agawam, and Southwick High Schools and then working for many years at Westfield City Hall in the Community Development Department. He also did graduate education studies at American International College in Springfield.

Joe always had a great passion for basketball and after playing for Westfield in his younger days, he went on to coach the freshmen boys’ basketball team at Westfield High for many years. Joe continued his love for basketball as a prestigious NCAA Basketball Division I official, even refereeing the Sweet 16 Kentucky vs. St. Bonaventure game in 2000, one of his most notable achievements.

After his retirement, Joe moved to New York City where he decided to teach once again. Joe loved the City of New York and had a tradition of going to the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center and sharing it with his sons and grandchildren. He loved celebrating his Italian heritage and frequently entertained family and friends singing his favorite Frank Sinatra songs.

A son predeceased him. Joe is survived by his three sons, his former wife Jeannie, a twin brother, a sister and extended family.

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