1951

Constituents Deceased list

Stephen P. Pista ’51, better known by his family as Stevie, was born on Feb. 1, 1928, in Watsonville to Mitchell V. Pista, who emigrated from the Konavle Valley, Croatia, and Katherine (Knego) Pista. Stevie spent all of his life in Watsonville, where he attended Moreland Notre Dame School and was a graduate of Watsonville High School. While in high school, Stevie was the first artist to draw Willy the Wildcat, the high school’s mascot. He graduated from SCU with a business degree and served four years in the Navy. After his military service, he joined the family apple business, M.V. Pista Fruit Co., where he worked his entire life. Stevie had a firm faith in God and was a devout Catholic. He died peacefully on March 15, 2019. He was 91 years old. Stevie is preceded in death by his brothers, Louis M. and John C. Pista, and is survived by his cousins, Mark Pista, Leah Sakoda, Peter Knego, Linda Knego, Kay Barbora, Helen McAbee, and sister-in-law, Josephine Pista.

24 May 2019