Stephen J. Piraino

Stephen John Piraino

August 7, 1934 – May 24, 2024

Glen Burnie, Maryland

Stephen Piraino, age 89, died on May 24, 2024 in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Steve was born on August 7, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York to John and Susan Piraino.  Steve was the eldest of their three children.   Steve grew up in the Prospect Park neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY.  After graduation from high school, at age 16, Steve began working at the Brooklyn Navy Yard as an electronics apprentice.  After several years climbing rigging, working on the Navy ships, Steve and Joanne met, and the two married in August of 1958.  In addition to working as a civilian for the Navy, Steve served in the Army from 1958 – 1960.   In 1965, Steve and Joanne relocated to Bowie, Maryland where they raised their four children. Steve completed his college degree. Steve and Joanne were active in the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church community for many years.  Steve joined the Catholic Order of Alhambra in 1966.    As a member of the Order of Alhambra, Steve was very involved in the restoration and maintenance of the historic shrine to Mary known as the “Grotto of Our Lady of Rock Springs”.   Steve and Joanne traveled around the USA attending many conventions held by the Alhambra organization.  Steve held many positions within that organization until 2018 reaching State level representative for national events.

Besides his Roman Catholic faith, family was most important to him.  He and Joanne opened their home to many family members and hosted family dinners for many years.  Steve and Joanne prepared many excellent meals.  He loved making the many Italian dishes that he grew up with.  Steve’s eggplant parmesan, sausage and peppers, and beef / sausage meatballs were family favorites.   Steve also liked fixing cars, home repairs, being of service to others.  After 40 plus years as a civilian and contract employee, Steve retired.  During retirement, Steve helped to care for his mother-in-law for the remaining 12 years of her life.  Steve and Joanne also enjoyed traveling to many other states and vacationing onboard cruise ships.

Steve also enjoyed being a Washington Blue Rifles member. He participated in civil war re-enactments, camping, black powder shooting and seeing Joanne in a period ball gown.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Thomas (Kathy), his sister, Mary Ann (John) DeBlasio, and his paternal niece Meghan DeBlasio.  He is also predeceased by many friends he and Joanne had over the years.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Joanne; his four children, Gina (Arley), Paul (Heidi), Susan (Rick) and John; 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Chesapeake Hospice for their assistance the last 4 months of Steve’s life.  In April, members of the hospice team arranged for Steve to be honored for his military service in the United States Army.  This was much appreciated by Steve and his family.  

Donation may be made in Steve’s name to the International Order of Alhambra (https://www.orderalhambra.org), Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, from 2 – 4 pm at the Beall Funeral Home (6512 Crain Hwy Bowie, MD).  A religious service will begin at 4 pm at the funeral home.  Interment will be done at a future date.