Louis “Lou” Assorto, 88, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 28, 2023. Lou was born in New York, NY on September 3, 1934 to the late Gennaro and Conchetta (Erricella) Assorto and graduated from Evander Childs in 1952.
Lou lived a full and happy life filled with love, family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lucille Assorto, and his two children, Wayne and Jeannine (Michael). He was a beloved grandpa to Christopher Louis Stimson, his pride and joy, “My Man” as he fondly called him in his monthly letters.
Lou also leaves behind his dear brother-in-law Carlo (Nancy), his nephew and nieces, Carlo, Carole, Anna and Debbie and numerous friends and neighbors who were always considered family, too. He is predeceased by his Father and Mother, Gennaro and Conchetta Assorto and his brothers, John and Anthony.
Lou began his meat cutting career when his mom found him a job as a delivery boy for a local butcher shop when he was a young teenager. He honed his skills over the years and worked for various supermarket chains such as A & P, Gristedes, Foodtown, Food Emporium and Kings. In addition, he also worked what we all called his “day off job.” That’s right. On his one day off from the supermarket, he would work at a small butcher shop for the extra income. His family was his priority and they never wanted for anything. He made sure of that. He worked hard to give them the big white house in the suburbs and a life filled with love, support and an example of how to be the best person they could be. After retiring at 68, he continued to work into his 80’s driving a transport van for private school students and cancer patients all while receiving radiation treatments himself. Nothing slowed him down.
Lou also served in the U.S. Army from 1956 – 1958. Being a planner and a saver, he enlisted on his own to serve his country so that he could return home and marry his sweetheart, Lucille, whom he met when he and his friends had crashed a mutual friend’s sweet sixteen party a several years before. He saved every penny, sending it home to Lucille to pay for their wedding on April 11, 1959. He even made extra money while in the service. He was a cook; therefore, had his own quarters. He would let the young guys who liked to gamble use his room for a fee to play dice.
Lou was an avid N.Y. Giants fan. He bought his two tickets in 1960 and would take the train with his father-in-law to the games at Yankee Stadium. His love for the Giants was contagious, especially with his daughter, Jeannine, who started going to games in grade school and still attended games with him to this day.
Lou had recently joined the Knight of Columbus at his church. No surprise that he made friends quickly with the other members and will be missed.
Lou was the definition of a Great Man. He was everyone’s father, grandfather, best friend, role model. A warm, gentle soul, kind to all around him. He was a treasure. His smile would light up a room and warm everyone in his presence. He was the one you went to for advice (especially on the right cut of meat and how to prepare it), for consolation, for guidance and a big hug that always lifted your spirits.
Heaven has gained an Angel that will look down on us all. He is in all of our hearts. His spirit a beacon of light guiding us through our days going forward.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Hannemann Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Funeral Home website, www.hannemannfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Calling hours are at Hannemann Funeral Home in Nyack, NY on Tuesday, May 2nd from 4 – 8 PM. The funeral mass will be at St. Aedan’s Church in Pearl River, NY on Wednesday, May 3rd, at 10:30 am.