Wayne "Pete" Anthony Pisto

Pisto, Wayne "Pete" Anthony March 19, 1923 - April 18, 2015 Wayne passed away peacefully at Kathryn House from natural causes. Wayne was born in Cambria, Wyoming to Tony and Grace Pisto and was the second child of five children. He grew up in Gebo,Wyoming where he remained until moving to Thermopolis, Wyoming where he attended Hot Springs County High School. Soon after graduation, he went to Billings, Montana and joined the US Navy on June 26, 1941. During World War II he served as a Nose Gunner on a Navy B24 Bomber, “The Devil Dog”, in the Pacific. Some of the islands that he was stationed at during WWII were Canton, Tarawa, Abemama, Kwajalein, and Enewetak. During the Korean War, Wayne was with an airgroup stationed on various aircraft carriers. He earned thirteen medals and ribbons with the highest being the Air Medal. Wayne retired with the rank of Aviation Ordinance Chief from the US Navy in Albuquerque in July of 1961. After retiring from the military, Wayne continued to work as a civilian for the US Navy at NWEF as a technical writer, writing weapon loading manuals for various aircraft. Wayne married Ruth L. Doty on December 21, 1944. Wayne and Ruth had two sons, Randy W. Pisto (wife Ann Pisto) and Tony H. Pisto (wife Julie Pisto), both of Albuquerque, New Mexico and four grandchildren Christa L. Pisto of Denver Colorado, Bryony M. Brandt (husband Paul Brandt) of Aurora, Colorado, Cody Pisto (wife Michelle Pisto) of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Sarah Black (husband Shawn Black) of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Wayne and Ruth loved playing cards with friends, bowling, square dancing, playing golf, fishing, and going to Lobo Basketball games. Wayne and Ruth had one of the best vegetable gardens in the city producing tomato plants taller than his wife. They loved spending time with family both far and near and were the proudest of grandparents. Wayne was always a practical joker, loved all things John Wayne, and loved life to the fullest and could spend hours telling stories about Wyoming and the US Navy. Wayne is preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 65 years Ruth “Shorty” Pisto; his parents, Tony and Grace Pisto; sister, Helen Cabre; brother, Dave Pisto; sister, Mary Lou Harbicht; and brother, Robert Pisto. He is survived by his children and grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Kathryn House. We could not have done it without your care and support. Services will be Monday, April 27, 2015, 10:30 a.m. at FRENCH – Lomas. Interment will follow the service at 1:30 p.m. in Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution in Wayne’s name to Wounded Warriors, www.woundedwarriorproject.org or UNM Lobo Club, www.unmloboclub.com.