Stephen A. Pietracatello Jr.

Stephen Anthony Pietracatello, 85, of Pittsburgh, PA passed away peacefully with family by his side on February 18, 2026. Born on June 17, 1940 in Pittsburgh, PA he was the son of the late Stephen Sr. and Sadie Pietracatello.

His service in the U.S. Navy provided the anchor of discipline and steady purpose that defined the rest of his life. That discipline never left him; it shaped a persistent, independent spirit that guided him through every chapter of his life.

Loyalty to family remained important to him throughout his life.

He was a big dreamer with an entrepreneurial streak who never stopped looking toward the next horizon. He spent his career behind the lens as a photographer—specializing in family portraits and capturing important moments for the families he served.

A devoted Pittsburgh sports fan, he followed his teams with a vocal enthusiasm. Yet he was just as content in the quiet company of nature and his pets. He took solace in the loyalty and unspoken love of his beloved four-legged companions.

He was a big personality who lived life firmly on his own terms. He had a way of filling a room, often with a dry, playful wit that could catch you off guard, and he reveled in good conversation with a lively debate. A man of strong will, he is loved and remembered with both tenderness and truth by those who knew him best.

He is survived by his former spouse, Laura Lee; his children, Stephen III (Nancy), Theresa (Jay), Rebecca, and Matthew (Elizabeth); and his grandchildren, Leanna (Jiovanni), Allison (Antonio), Vanessa, Julia, Anastasia, Angelina, Alexanderia, Phoenix, and Autumn. He is also survived by his great‑granddaughter, Annalise; his sister’s friend, Tom Misencik; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Stephen was preceded in death by his sisters, Carmella (Nicholas) Kelly and Joanne Stack.

Burial will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies on June 5, 2026, with the time to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the ASPCA, in his memory.