Quinta A. Pistolesi passed away in her home filled with the love of her family and friends on July 22, 2025. Calling hours were held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Frary Funeral Home 33 Park Street, Gouverneur. A funeral mass was held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 10:00 am at St. James Catholic Church, Gouverneur with Fr. Jay Seymour officiating. Burial will be immediately following at Oswegatchie Memorial Park, Ogdensburg.
Quinta was born on October 15, 1943 (although her birth certificate states October 18th) in Morolo, Italy. At the age of 19 she married Anatolio “Tony” Pistolesi on April 21, 1963 and she immigrated to the United States to the Grove Street home in Gouverneur where she lived for the remainder of her “beautiful life”.
Quinta’s upbringing in Italy was humble and rooted in hard work. She was one of nine children in a family that worked together on a farm. Like many children of her generation, she left school after the 5th grade to contribute to her family's labor. She continued that humble and hardworking ethic after moving to the U.S., where she and Tony worked at the Clearview Restaurant for 13 years. She often spoke of the kindness of neighbors who welcomed her and helped her learn English. Over the years, she formed strong friendships and built a respected presence in the community through her family-owned business. She and Tony purchased the Casablanca Restaurant in 1976 which they ran together along with her in-laws Mario & Quinta Pistolesi for over four decades.
Quinta found joy in simple yet deeply meaningful activities such as working & talking to patrons at the restaurant, cooking, baking, gardening, knitting and visits to the Amish. Her favorite pastime, by far, was cooking for and with her family—an act she considers an expression of love.
Quinta and her cooking will be greatly missed by her children Mario & Theresa Pistolesi, John & Kimberly Pistolesi, Lori Wade, Shawn & Clara Cummings; grandchildren Crystal Salter, Justin & Katie Salter; Brianna & Dylan Soper and Anthony Pistolesi; great-grandchildren Mia & Owen Soper, Alyanna, Colton, Grady & Luca Salter; her brothers Umberto & Sandina Alteri, Maurizio & Francesca Alteri; Sisters-in-law Anna Easton and Katie Pistolesi; her Casablanca family, countless nieces & nephews in the U.S. & Italy and God-children.
She will be resting in Eternal Paradise with Tony, son Scott Wade; parents Pietro Alteri & Paola Fiaschetti; brothers Michele, Giuseppe and Alessio; sisters Maria, Elisa, Filomena and Angelina.
Memorial donations in honor of Quinta are encouraged to St. James Church, Restoration Fund, 164 East Main Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642.
Online condolences may be shared with Quinta’s family at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.