Elmer O. Pizzi

Elmer Pizzi, age 99, devoted husband of Marie Pizzi, father of Mark (wife Kathy) , Eric (wife Jennifer), Brion, Paul (wife Mimi), & Dina Christie, & grandfather of Emma & Sophia Pizzi, Alexandra, Ava, & Anthony Pizzi, & Dylan & Kelly Christie, passed away on June 6, 2026.

Elmer was a long-time resident of Wayne & West Chester, born on October 9, 1926, in a farmhouse in Glen Mills to Ercole & Clara Pizzi. He graduated from West Chester High in June of 1944. Joined the US Army in 1945, served as Message Center Chief for the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Japan for 2 years. He always told the story about how he refused to let a 4-star general enter the communications perimeter as he didn’t have the proper clearance. The General wasn’t happy, but Elmer stood his ground! Graduated Philadelphia College of Art in June 1951. Enjoyed a very successful career for over 40 years with Gray & Rogers advertising agency as Senior Vice-President, Creative Director & Board member. As Art Director, Elmer’s simple but elegant design of the Eucharist held by two hands was selected by the Catholic Church as the official symbol for the 41st International Eucharistic Congress held in Philadelphia in 1976. Elmer was also a long-time member of the Art Directors Club of Philadelphia.

Elmer was an avid bowler, Phillies & Eagles fan, & he spent many years teaching college art & marketing students. His biggest passion & contribution was his over 25 years of coaching for the Eagles of the Devon-Strafford Little League. He was a very successful coach but took his greatest satisfaction from teaching young athletes the game of baseball, but more importantly to believe in themselves regardless of their athletic ability. He also enjoyed a Gordon’s martini with his art buddies & his family, and dining at his favorite restaurant, La Locanda.

Elmer was preceded in death by his father & mother, Ercole & Clara Pizzi, his in-laws Joseph & Julia Marino, his brothers Tony & Butch, his sister Helen, & his wife of 60 years, Marie Pizzi, who passed away in 2011. He was a devoted husband, father & grandfather who would do anything to help his family & friends.

He is survived by his children Mark (wife Kathy) , Eric (wife Jennifer), Brion, Paul (wife Mimi), & Dina Christie, his grandchildren Emma & Sophia Pizzi, Alexandra, Ava, & Anthony Pizzi, & Dylan & Kelly Christie, & his sister Evelyn Trump.