Little Italy Loses A Friend, A Hero And An Inspirational Icon

Mr. John Pente (1910 - 2010) May He Rest In Peace
[Baltimore] We are sad to report that we have just learned that Mr. John Pente died of natural causes on Monday morning. Mr. Pente turned 100 years old back in April.Mr. Pente He leaves behind three children, six grand children and thirteen great grand children.

Mr. John’s viewing will be at the Zannino Funeral Home (2pm-9pm), located at 263 South Conkling Street. The funeral mass will be held at 10am on Saturday at St. Leo the Great located at 227 South Exeter Street.

I had the pleasure of personally meeting Mr. John last year when we traveled to Baltimore to cover the Bocce tournament and The Feast of St. Leo’s. I almost walked past him, until I realized I was standing on the corner of South High Street facing the parking lot and building where the film screen is installed. I looked back and there he was sitting and enjoying the beautiful weather with his his daughter Marge, and his cute little dog, Gina (Lollobrigida). We spoke for a few minutes, pleasantries mostly. He was cheerful, polite and quite full of energy. I told him how great I thought it was (what he has done for the Little Italy community), and like a kid looking at a hero, how very pleased I was to meet him. He then allowed me to snap a photo before I continued my tour of his wonderful community. (I sit here with my eyes welling up and a lump in my throat - and I only had a fleeting moments with the man.) It was the highlight of my trip. God bless you Mr. John.

Comments

[Angela Atkinson (Pente)]

Thank you so much for your beautiful words about my Grandpop. He has been such an inspiration and wonderful human being that has touched SO many lives throughout his years. We are all better people for having known him and his love and light will carry on forever in the hearts of ours and so many. I can only hope in my lifetime, to come close to being the kind of person he was and am so blessed to have gotten the many years with him as I did. Thank you again!

[Eli Pousson]

Mr. Pente was a good friend to Baltimore Heritage and we note his passing with sadness. Mr. Pente was a lifelong resident of Little Italy and Baltimore Heritage’s first honoree in our Centennial Homes program. Mr. Pente’s family moved into the house on High Street in 1904, and he lived in the home almost his entire life. For a brief profile on Mr. Pente or to learn more about the Baltimore Heritage Centennial Homes program, please visit our website at http://www.baltimoreheritage.org