Former New York State Senator Joseph R. Pisani, 86, a resident of West Park and formerly of New Rochelle, died peacefully on May 4, 2016 surrounded by his family.

Born in New Rochelle on August 31, 1929, he was the son of Louis M. and Kathryn Ferrara Pisani. Joseph proudly served our country in the US Navy during the Korean War and graduated from Fordham University. He had worked as an attorney for over 60 years. He served in both the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate where his signature is on hundreds of bills that were signed into law. He was instrumental in enacting important laws such as the Baby Lenore Bill for Adoptions and the Nursing Bill.

Joseph was a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church in New Rochelle and was a life member of the New York Athletic Club. He was an accomplished artist, great outdoorsman, an avid tennis player and traveler. His true passion was his family and friends, and his home was always open to everyone.

He is survived by his children, Frank Pisani, Louis Pisani and his wife Debbie, Kathryn McArdle and her husband Thomas, and Theresa Pisani-Eschert and her husband Nicky; his grandchildren, Bryan and Chelsi McArdle, Michael McArdle, Tina and Thomas Castelli, and Zachary Pisani; his great grandchildren, Mason and Cash; and his sister-in-law, Diane Pisani. He was predeceased by his first wife, Joan (Marchiano); his second wife, Kathryn (Godfrey); his brother, Canio Pisani; his granddaughter, Nicole Pisani Frame; and his great grandson, Robert Louis Frame.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday at 11:30am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Joy Fund or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Please visit Joseph's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.