Obituary of Gerald Daniel Pietroforte
March 25, 2023
Gerald Daniel Pietroforte, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away on March 25, 2023 at the age of 69. After a valiant battle with cancer, Jerry died peacefully with his beloved wife and three sons by his side.
Jerry was born in Glen Cove, New York on May 20, 1953 to father William and mother Dorothy Pietroforte. The oldest of three children, he was the first in his family to attend law school. He graduated from the Washington College of Law at American University in 1979. There, he met his future wife, Margot Schonholtz. They married in 1981 and were devoted to each other for more than 41 years.
Jerry’s lifelong love of real estate was evident throughout his career as a principal, financial advisor and practicing lawyer. He was an avid “Superfan” of his sons’ numerous teams from pee wee sports through their college athletic endeavors in baseball and lacrosse. When he was not on the sidelines cheering a team on, Jerry loved to play golf and bicycle, particularly in far flung destinations.
He is survived by his wife, Margot; sons Robert (Melissa) Pietroforte, Matthew (Margaret Lindsay) Pietroforte, and Gregory Pietroforte; grandchildren Jack, Parker, Lily and Spencer; sister-in-law Barbara Semsker and brother-in-law Steven Schonholtz; father and mother in-law George and Joan Schonholtz; and more than a dozen nieces and nephews, including his beloved Ryan and Lucas Senter.
Visitation is planned for March 28, 2023 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Greenwich Village Funeral Home, 199 Bleecker Street, New York, New York. The funeral will take place on March 29, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at The Church of St. Francis Xavier, 46 West 16th Street, New York, New York, with burial to follow at Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, New York.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jerry’s commitment to catholic school education can make a donation to Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation, tomorrowshopefoundation.org, 50 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Suite 500, Uniondale, New York 11553.
Special and heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Weill Cornell for their extraordinary care and support.
Funeral Services
Gathering
March 28, 2023
3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Greenwich Village Funeral Home
199 Bleecker St.
New York City, NY 10012
Get DirectionsFuneral Mass
March 29, 2023
10:30 AM
The Church of St. Francis Xavier
46 W 16th St
New York, NY 10011
Get DirectionsShare a Memory
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Our condolences on the passing of such a wonderful person. Our hearts are breaking for all of you on this incredibly sad time in your lives. Our thoughts and prayers are will you. Although we are not directly related, we are related through the marriage of Melissa and Rob. May his memory be a blessing. xoxo Geoff and Linda Pearlstein and the entire family
Posted by: Linda and Geoff Pearlstein - Toronto, Ontario - Friend March 27, 2023
Devastated by this news. Gerry was just a great man. We worked together for 6 years from the day Lehman filed Ch 11 till 2014. We led the RE group for Lehman for the 1st year after the BK. That experience made us like “war buddies”. Not denigrating any veterans but we went thru a lot together during that year. We shared the cover of Crains magazine in an article discussing Lehman. Smart, kind, hard working and just a pleasure to be around. What a great role model for his sons. He will be greatly missed. God speed Gerry.
Posted by: Jeffrey Fitts - New York, New York - Friend March 27, 2023
I first met Jerry on the Lehman assignment in 2008. The project was clearly unprecedented on so many levels, and Jerry had such a wonderful ability to see the big picture, think more deeply and help navigate through those early days. After Lehman, I very much enjoyed keeping in regular contact with Jerry not just on work issues, but also life in general, raising kids, New York living, etc. However, busy Jerry was you could always be assured he would give you his full attention and make you feel valued. I liked to pull his leg a little bit and see if I could get him to react. He was clearly very proud of his three boys but never in any way boastful of their achievements. I’ll miss you, Jerry; you’ve been taken from us far too early. David
Posted by: David Coles - NYC, NY - Coworker March 27, 2023
An extra ordinary man with a beautiful soul to match……and a hugger like no other! He is already missed.
Posted by: Allison Ansell - Ocean, NJ - Family Friend March 27, 2023
I got to know Jerry well this past year...he and I had some wonderful discussions about his faith, his battle with cancer, and his personal beliefs. A man of courage, faith, fortitude, and passion, I am so saddened to learn of his passing. He will be in our prayers at Mass this week. - Bro. Thomas
Posted by: Bro. Thomas Cleary - Mineola, NY - Friend March 27, 2023
Our condolences to the Pietroforte family for a gentleman we never met, but felt we knew through his son Greg whose love for his Dad was absolute. We know your memories will keep his spirit alive within all of you. Warmly, The Jensen Family
Posted by: Susan Jensen - New York, New York - Friend March 27, 2023
I'm so sorry for your loss. Gerry’s legacy and memories will live on through you, and the boys. There is so many memories of Gerry when the boys were growing up. I am fortunate to have cross paths with Gerry and he would always hold a special place with my mother and I.
Posted by: Michele Singh - West Palm Beach, FL - Friend March 27, 2023
What a wonderful man. I feel blessed to have him part of the family and for him to include the Oberman clan with open arms. This is a real loss. May his memory be a blessing. Dena Oberman
Posted by: Dena Oberman - Toronto, ON - Friend March 28, 2023
Stunned and saddened to learn this news. Wish we could be with you for the service. We are planting trees. Love and deepest condolences to the whole Pietroforte family from Jeff, Jean, Elizabeth and Hanna Tulis.
Posted by: Jeff Tulis - AUSTIN, TX - Family March 28, 2023
My condolences to the family on the passing of Gerald Pietroforte. Having worked at the condominium where Gerry and his family reside, I had many chances to speak with him and get to know a little about him. He provided me with advice on cycling a few years back, which propelled me to purchase a speed bike and ride occasionally. He took a moment out of his day to educate me on the type of bike to get as a beginner and to set a goal for when I start riding. I’m saddened to have learned about his passing. He will truly be missed here at the building. My deepest sympathies on the loss of your loved one.
Posted by: Clarence Prester - Brooklyn, NY - Acquaintance March 28, 2023