Passing of past Chief Engineer and Honorary member John V Pignataro
August 01, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Honorary Member, and Past Chief Engineer John V Pignataro. “Piggy” 1st joined the Lewes fire department in 1994. He held many positions in the department, including Captain, Assistant Chief, Director, Fireman and Chief Engineer.
Piggy was an integral part of the station 2 building committee and was responsible for starting the “Santa in the hood” program here in Lewes which continues to spread Christmas cheer throughout the community every year.
Most importantly, Piggy was also essential in starting the first in station duty crew program in 2007. For many years a group of eager young firemen staffed the firehouse weekly and Piggy was there each week training and mentoring these young firemen.
He had an immeasurable impact on countless young men and women as they were growing up in the Fire Service. These men and women have gone on to advance in their public service careers, all due to Piggy's guidance, training, and often tough love.
Piggy retired as a Lieutenant from the Washington DC Fire Dept after over 28 years of dedicated service to our nations capital. He continued volunteering with Lewes until 2018 when he fully retired with his wife to southwest florida.
Piggy will be sorely missed but his impact on the Lewes Fire Dept and countless individuals will not soon be forgotten.
