Arthur Pielli

Arthur Pielli, age 81, of Philadelphia, PA died August 15, 2022 at home. Arthur was married to Mary Margaret “Maureen” Pielli (née Dillon), for 58 years. Maureen died on August 14, 2022 (one day before Arthur) at home. They are survived by their 6 children, 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. 

Born and raised in New York City and a veteran of the United States Navy, Arthur left the New York City Fire Department in 1975 on a medical disability. He used the GI Bill to enroll in the New Paltz State University of New York, where he earned a BS in Art Education, graduating with honors.

He, Maureen and their six children moved to West Chester, PA where he taught Art for 23 years primarily at Henderson High School. Arthur not only taught and advocated for the Arts, he supported his students as an Advisor for the Black Student Union and he ended his educational career as Athletic Director at Henderson High school.

After teaching, Arthur focused more on his own artwork. As a visual artist who worked with oils, watercolor, charcoal and pencil, Arthur drew live models and his landscapes are plein air paintings. In addition to his degree from New Paltz, he earned his BFA in Painting from West Chester University and his Masters, Art Education from the University of the Arts.  He was a proud member of the Plaster Club of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Sketch Club. 

A lifelong fan of all New York teams, Arthur loved playing and watching sports with his kids. He also enjoyed cooking Italian food while drinking red wine and listening to Sinatra. A hilarious storyteller who loved to laugh, he always maintained that no one was funnier than his all-time favorites, Laurel and Hardy.

He and Maureen were also members of the Ethical Society of Philadelphia, an organization whose members and slogan, “Deed before Creed,” they truly loved.