[Editor’s Note: Ms. Turner is the daughter of Mr. Pitti.]
Funeral services for Paul Pitti, the last of Culver City’s cowboys, will be held Saturday morning at 11 a.m. Holy Cross Cemetery.
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From left, Pam Pitti Turner, Shirley Pitti, Randy Turner, Luke Beato, and Paul Pitti, the New Westernaires, Photo was taken at Palos Verdes Estates at the Empty Saddle Club, Palos Verdes Estates, site of the annual Cowboy Poetry and Cowboy Music Festival.
Mr. Pitti, 88 years old, died peacefully at home last Thursday.
The Pitti family was among the first 500 families to settle in the town that would become known as the Heart of Screenland, home to several motion picture studios. father, Bennie Pete Pitti, was renowned in the movie industry for his expertise with bullwhips, roping, stunt riding and knife throwing.
Mr. Pitti worked with his father and older brother, Carl, in the entertainment business.
However, after marrying Shirley, the love of his life, and following the birth of his first child, Mr. Pitti decided to try a different line of work. This led to a successful 35-year career at Hughes Aircraft.
Upon his retirement at age 62, he and Shirley traveled the world.
In 2001, I prompted my parents to return to entertainment, forming the New Westernaires. They played the oldtime cowboy campfire music at Cowboy Poetry Festivals and other venues with my husband Randy and me.
Mr. Pitti was a beloved member of the community, a good neighbor and friend who was always available to help others in need. He has joined his beloved wife of 59 years in heaven.
He was born at 4191 Lincoln Ave., Culver City. Baptized at St. Augustine Catholic Church, he remained a faithful parishioner, serving as a head usher for over 20 years.
When World War II broke out, Mr. Pitti enlisted in the Marine Corps on Dec. 8, 1942. He proudly served his country fighting in the South Pacific. He used to say “ I made four beachhead landings and walked away without a scratch.” His last battle was in Okinawa.
In addition to Randy and me, Mr. Pitti’s survivors include son Ben Pitti (Lei), grandchildren Robert and Jennifer Pitti, Nickolas and Ashley Turner, great grandson Dylan Huybrecht and his beloved dog Skipper.
Services will be at the Mortuary Chapel of Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W. Slauson Ave, Culver City. 310.836.5500.
