Gregory Mario Piacitelli

With heavy hearts and much love, we share that Gregory "Greg" Mario Piacitelli passed away on February 5, 2026, at his home in Gig Harbor, Washington, surrounded by his family and his lifelong friend, Jerry Daviess. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 46 years, Laurie; his cherished daughter, Lisa; her husband, Nate, whom he loved as a son; and his beloved namesake, Gregory Lucca, his grandson who brought him immense joy in his final weeks.

Greg was born on February 10, 1957, in Aurora, Colorado, the oldest of eight children born to John D. Piacitelli and Liane Foltz Piacitelli. As the eldest of his siblings, he was a proud and caring big brother to Mark (Laura), Paul (Leslie), Denise Van Alstine (Aaron), Chris (Sandy), John S., Michael (Jill), and Stephen (Dawn). Beyond his immediate family, Greg held a special place in his heart for his in-laws, many nieces and nephews, and his extended Piacitelli family, whom he was connected to throughout his life. 

Greg earned his Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene from the University of Cincinnati and his bachelor's degree from Washington State University. He dedicated 29 years of service to the U.S. Public Health Service, retiring at age 50 with the rank of Captain. Much of his career was spent with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, where his work helped make workplaces safer for countless people, a meaningful legacy of protecting others that defined his professional life.

That same devotion he brought to his work - showing up, protecting others, being steady and reliable - was perhaps even more evident in the way he loved his family and friends. He was loyal, generous, and genuinely present for those he cared about. What set Greg apart was that his circle never felt like a fixed thing. He made a point of getting to know the friends and people in the lives of those he loved, welcoming them warmly and building real connections along the way. Over the years, that quality quietly expanded his world and made many people feel like they had gained something in knowing him, even if they had come into his orbit through someone else.

He had a natural gift for bringing people together and found deep joy in shared experiences: football watch parties and tailgates, rounds of golf, racquetball and pickleball, long evenings gathered around the grill. He treasured his golf group and his Eagles crew, and he stayed connected with friends near and far through Wordle and other online games, finding laughter and warmth in even the simplest of rituals. Those who knew him will remember his warm humor and steady presence, and the way he had of making every gathering feel a little more alive.

In August 2023, Greg was diagnosed with ALS. Even in the face of this challenge, he faced each day with remarkable grace and encouraged those around him to hold their time together close. While the disease took much, it never took his spirit or his bright smile. He remained deeply grateful for the love and support of the family and friends who surrounded him, and he left this world as he had lived in it - cherished, connected, and deeply loved.

In his memory, the family suggests donations to the ALS Association or I AM ALS.

A celebration of Greg's life will be held on June 20 at 1:30 PM at Canterwood Golf and Country Club in Gig Harbor. All who knew and loved Greg are warmly welcome to attend, share memories, and honor a life that touched so many.

Greg will be deeply missed. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and the enduring warmth of a man who always made family and friendship his greatest priorities.