C. John Fiore

It is with profound sadness but fond memories that we announce Constantino John Fiore (John, Papee, or Dindi), Age 97, of Great Falls, Virginia, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025.

C. John Fiore was born on March 28, 1928, in Clairton, PA. He was the son of the late Francesco Fiore and Magdalena Tancredi, both of whom were first-generation immigrants from Sezze Latina and Arpaia Benevento Italy respectively. Italian was Papee’s first language, and he stayed fluent for his entire life. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Frank F. (Elvira) Fiore, Charles (Mary, Genevieve) Fiore, Sarge (Jean) Fiore, James A. (Mary) Fiore, and sister, Antoinette (Gennaro) Iannazzo, infant sister Lucy, half-brother Angelo (Alesandra) in Sezze, and his son-in-law, Donald D. (Deborah) Caligiuri, and nieces and nephews.

He grew up in Clairton, PA surrounded by many friends and a loving family. Holidays, birthdays and special occasions were all celebrated together. The Fiore family dominated Italian Club League Bocce and local bowling leagues for years. Weekends were reserved for family Wiffle and softball games at Clairton Park with all of the uncles and nephews on the field.

In 1948, at the age of 20, he married the love of his life, Bessie Pavich (Gramee). They had two beautiful children, Deborah and John. They were married for 76 loving years and would have celebrated their 77th Anniversary on July 29, 2025.

C. John Fiore had a successful career in the airline industry for forty-two (42) years holding various positions with at first Capital and then Trans World Airlines (TWA). He retired as a Customer Service Manager in March 1990. He received countless letters of appreciation from travelers over the years including President Ronald Reagan and Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, as well as commendations from TWA for his exemplary performance and many years of perfect attendance. It wasn’t uncommon for him to bring stranded travelers home for a night’s rest. He once brought home a champion Afghan hound that somehow escaped from an inbound plane and was rescued on the tarmac. After working to track down the dog’s owner, he personally groomed and safely returned the dog.

Dindi always went the extra mile to help his family and friends and even complete strangers. That’s the kind of person he was and the way he lived his long life. At times, he had three jobs at once including delivering the US Mail on a rural route. He also had a barber shop in his basement and would cut many family and friend’s hair, sacrificing his own leisure time.

For years during his retirement, he was a Make-A-Wish volunteer meeting the Make-A-Wish families at Greater Pittsburgh Airport to help them navigate their travel and facilitate their heartfelt wishes. Papee left an indelible mark on all he met. His bright smile and sense of humor were unmatched. Papee had a one-liner joke for every situation. His sharp wit brought great joy to everyone he met in every aspect of his life. Papee forged deep, meaningful relationships with his extended family and friends. He approached life with a bright light. Positivity was his strong suit, and he shared it lovingly.

Papee, at 66 years of age, along with his nephew, Rege, completed the 1994 Pittsburgh marathon and the 1996 Ikea Half Marathon with John and Diana at 68 years old. Papee loved going on runs with his grandchildren too. On one run with his granddaughter, Danielle, near the end of the run. Danielle said, “Papee, lets sprint to the finish!”, and he quipped, “I AM SPRINTING!” Throughout his long life, he played innumerable rounds of golf, often jogging from hole to hole carrying only three clubs. At last count, he had three holes in one and recently, was “game” for a trip to Top Golf to hit a few. Papee remained active, sharp and happy. He continued his extensive daily exercise with long walks and gym workouts. He was an inspiration to everyone who saw him plugging along at 97 years old. He inspired the entire neighborhood with his love of life and never stop attitude. He shared a high five, good morning wave or a funny joke with everyone he encountered. Papee was a huge Seinfeld enthusiast. He would use nicknames from the show for neighbors when he and Deb would do their walks together when living in Woodbridge, VA. Puffy Shirt, Close Talker and Man Hands were just a few. He had honed this skill over the years by nicknaming many of the Clairton characters, and Papee’s nicknames always stuck.

Papee loved and enjoyed his family, living the past nine (9) years in a multi-generational household with his beloved wife, son (and daughter-in-law), daughter, and granddaughters. This was a unique experience that brought all beautiful memories and stories. Papee had a special relationship with Ace, his furry canine grandson. They would play games and watch after each other. Every night, Papee slept with a pillow with Ace’s picture on the front.

Papee loved the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates (Me Buccos) teams. He enjoyed watching the games no matter how well the teams were doing. He would dress up with his son and granddaughters to support his teams when watching. The terrible towel was never far away during football season.

He is survived by wife, Bessie I. Fiore (Gramee), daughter, Deborah A. Fiore, son, John T. (Diana) Fiore, Grandchildren/Great Grandchildren: Danielle (Jake, Dylan, Vincent, and Wesley) Osman, Nina Fiore, Evan Fiore, Giana Fiore, and Bianca Fiore. As well as many Nieces/Nephews and Great Nieces/Nephews, both here and in Italy.

Papee and Gramee recently relocated to The Marsh, senior living community, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Papee enjoyed one month at his new home. He quickly acclimated to the new environment enjoying lots of activities and making new friends. In such a short time, Papee won the hearts of everyone at The Marsh, from the residents to the staff, and he created fond memories.

In loving memory of Papee, the family will receive family and friends for mass at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 950 Darrell Creek Trail, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466. Please join us immediately following for a celebration of life lunch at The Marsh at Carolina Park, 3501 Lively Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466.

In the fall, the family will be hosting a celebration of life/family reunion in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Specific details will be provided at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mount Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.