Obituary of Edward L. Pellicciotti

Edward L. Pellicciotti, 86, of Vestal, New York, passed away at his home on July 18th, 2025. Edward was affectionately known to us as "Toppy." Toppy brought humor, good conversation, red wine, grammar correcting and his famous mashed potatoes and Christmas Eve squid sauce to 60 plus years of family dinners. Toppy was predeceased by his family: Parents, Edward and Marie Pellicciotti, his brother Robert Pellicciotti, his beloved Uncle Corey Pellicciotti and sister-in-law, Carol Pellicciotti. He is survived by his brother Albert Pellicciotti and former sister-in-law Susan Hendery; nephews and nieces, Michael (Nancy) Pellicciotti, Mark Pellicciotti, David (Cathy) Pellicciotti, Maria Papa, and Andrea Pellicciotti (Stephen Askew), many cousins, friends, and two new generations of beloved nieces and nephews. Toppy graduated from Harpur College in 1963 and enjoyed a rewarding 35 year career at IBM in Endicott. He held several positions at IBM, starting in the Mail Room, and ending up as a college/professional recruiter in Human Resources. Throughout his career his strength and passion was as a Computer Programmer/Systems Analyst. Toppy was proud to be a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club. After retirement, Toppy taught personal computer classes and was "the family go to" for computer questions. Even at 86, Toppy remained tech-savvy, loved his computer and did daily online puzzles like Wordle. Always the joker, he liked to say that he "planned to join the Procrastinators Club in 1965 but never got around to it." Toppy was an excellent cook and lover of ingredients like olive-oil, butter and garlic. He was well read, an outstanding writer, listened to classical music, watched old movies, loved his sports cars, appreciated a fine meal and good conversation. Toppy's mind was sharper than many half his age. He was one of the family story tellers and his sense of humor was one of a kind. In childhood, Toppy was given the nickname "Toppy" from toppling over with laughter when watching old movies and television shows. His laughter was warm, loud, and familiar to all who knew him. Toppy was a beloved and proud member of the Pellicciotti family for over 8 decades. He gifted nephews and nieces books at Christmas time, and he faithfully sent his Irish sister-in-law, Carol, beautiful flowers on St. Patrick's Day. Toppy and the specialness he brought to his large family will be missed and fondly remembered. Per Toppy's request, services were private. Donations in honor of Toppy may be sent to the charity of your choice. A private graveside service was held in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. Rev. Arthur Krawczenko officiated.