Wayne Pisto

Wayne (Pete) Anthony Pisto, 92, passed away peacefully at Kathryn House from natural causes on April 18, 2015.

Wayne was born in Cambria, Wyo. to Tony and Grace Pisto and was the second child of five children. He grew up in Gebo, Wyo. where he remained until moving to Thermopolis, Wyo., where he attended Hot Springs County High School.

Soon after graduation, he went to Billings, Mont. and joined the US Navy on June 26, 1941. During World War II he served as a Nose Gunner on a Navy B24 Bomber, "The Devil Dog", in the Pacific. Some of the islands that he was stationed at during WWII were Canton, Tarawa, Abemama, Kwajalein, and Enewetak. During the Korean War, Wayne was with an air group stationed on various aircraft carriers. He earned thirteen medals and ribbons with the highest being the Air Medal. Wayne retired with the rank of Aviation Ordinance Chief from the US Navy in Albuquerque in July of 1961.

After retiring from the military, Wayne continued to work as a civilian for the US Navy at NWEF as a technical writer, writing weapon-loading manuals for various aircraft.

Wayne married Ruth L. Doty on December 21, 1944. Wayne and Ruth had two sons. Wayne and Ruth loved playing cards with friends, bowling, square dancing, playing golf, fishing, and going to Lobo Basketball games. Wayne and Ruth had one of the best vegetable gardens in the city producing tomato plants taller than his wife. They loved spending time with family both far and near and were the proudest of grandparents. Wayne was always a practical joker, loved all things John Wayne, and loved life to the fullest and could spend hours telling stories about Wyoming and the US Navy.

Wayne is survived by his sons Randy W. (Ann) Pisto and Tony H. (Julie) Pisto, both of Albuquerque, N. M.; and four grandchildren Christa L. Pisto of Denver, Colo., Bryony M. (Paul) Brandt of Aurora, Colo., Cody (Michelle) Pisto of Albuquerque, N. M. and Sarah (Shawn) Black of Albuquerque, N. M.

Wayne is preceded in death by his wife of nearly 65 years; his parents; sisters Helen Cabre and Mary Lou Harbicht; and brothers Dave Pisto and Robert Pisto.