When most people hear the name Pesci, they immediately think of the legendary actor Joe Pesci, known for his unforgettable roles in Goodfellas, Casino, My Cousin Vinny, and Home Alone. Yet, behind the Hollywood spotlight lies a quieter story of a man who lived a humble life, raised a family, and shaped the foundation of one of cinema’s most iconic figures. That man was Angelo Louis Pesci—Joe Pesci’s father.
In this article, we will explore who Angelo Pesci was, his personal and professional life, his age, marriage, children, and the often-asked question about his net worth. While not a celebrity himself, Angelo’s story provides a glimpse into the working-class background that grounded and influenced his son, Joe.
Early Life of Angelo Pesci
Angelo Louis Pesci was born on August 14, 1916, in New Jersey, USA. He came from Italian immigrant parents, Santino (Sante) Pesci and Louise (Luigia) Gaburo, who had settled in America to seek a better future. Growing up during the early 20th century was far from easy. Angelo’s formative years coincided with the Great Depression, an era that shaped his values of hard work, responsibility, and resilience.
Unlike his famous son Joe, Angelo was not destined for stardom. Instead, he pursued a straightforward working-class life, devoting himself to honest labor and supporting his family.
Who Was Angelo Pesci Professionally?
Angelo Pesci earned a living as a forklift truck driver for General Motors, one of the leading automobile companies of his time. His role in the factory was not glamorous, but it was vital. Operating heavy machinery and ensuring production efficiency required skill, precision, and endurance.
In addition to his job at GM, Angelo also worked as a bartender. This second occupation reflects the hardworking ethic common among men of his generation. Balancing multiple jobs to provide for a growing family was the norm, and Angelo was no exception.
Though not wealthy, he embodied the American blue-collar spirit—committed, practical, and deeply responsible toward his family.
Angelo Pesci’s Marriage
Angelo’s personal life took a defining turn when he married Mary Ann Mesce (often referred to as Mary Pesci) in 1937. Their marriage became the cornerstone of a lifelong partnership. Unlike celebrity marriages often marred by scandal, Angelo and Mary’s union was stable and enduring.
Together, they raised three children and built a household rooted in Italian-American traditions. Mary herself worked part-time as a barber, another modest yet respected profession. Their combined dedication created a nurturing environment for their children, particularly for their youngest son, Joe, who would later become one of Hollywood’s greats.
How Many Kids Did Angelo Pesci Have?
Angelo and Mary Pesci had three children:
- Louise M. Pesci Russo – Born on August 27, 1938, Louise was the eldest child. She later married and carried on the family line until her passing in 2013.
- William Louis “Bill” Pesci – Born on March 11, 1940, William was the middle child. Like his father, he lived a modest life away from public fame. He passed away in 2016.
- Joseph Frank “Joe” Pesci – Born on February 9, 1943, Joe was the youngest and the one destined for global recognition. Known simply as Joe Pesci, he became one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, famous for his intense, often fiery characters in both dramas and comedies.
Despite Joe’s fame, the Pesci family remained private and closely knit, bound by loyalty and love for one another.
Angelo Pesci’s Age and Death
Angelo Pesci lived through transformative decades of American history—from the hardships of the Great Depression to the post–World War II boom years and beyond.
- Date of Birth: August 14, 1916
- Date of Death: December 2, 1977
- Age at Death: 61 years
Angelo passed away in 1977, long before Joe Pesci achieved the peak of his acting career in the late 1980s and 1990s. He was buried at Glendale Cemetery in Bloomfield, Essex County, New Jersey, alongside many family members.
Was Angelo Pesci Wealthy? Exploring His Net Worth
One of the common search queries people make is about Angelo Pesci’s net worth. Unlike his son Joe, who is estimated to be worth over $50 million as of 2025, Angelo himself did not accumulate celebrity-level wealth.
As a working-class man employed as a factory forklift driver and bartender, Angelo likely lived on a modest income, enough to provide for his family but not enough to leave behind a substantial fortune. Therefore, Angelo Pesci’s net worth is not documented, and it’s safe to say that he lived a simple, middle-class life.
In essence, his greatest wealth was not financial but familial. By raising children with values of discipline, hard work, and perseverance, Angelo indirectly contributed to Joe’s success—something more valuable than money.
Angelo Pesci as a Father
Though there are limited public records of Angelo’s personality, one can infer from Joe Pesci’s life that he was raised in a household with strong family bonds. Angelo’s background as a laborer likely instilled a sense of humility and groundedness in Joe.
Joe has often portrayed characters from working-class Italian-American backgrounds, a nod to his upbringing. While Angelo himself never stepped into the spotlight, his influence can be traced in the authenticity Joe brings to his roles.
Angelo Pesci’s Legacy
While Angelo did not live to see Joe Pesci win an Academy Award for Goodfellas or star in classics like Casino and My Cousin Vinny, his legacy endures through his children.
- Through Joe: Angelo’s name continues to circulate whenever people explore Joe’s family background.
- Through Family Bonds: His other children, Louise and William, may not have been famous, but their lives reflect the continuation of Angelo and Mary’s values.
Angelo’s story is a reminder that behind every star, there are unsung heroes—ordinary people who work tirelessly in the background, shaping the next generation.
Conclusion: Remembering Angelo Pesci
So, who was Angelo Pesci? He was not a celebrity nor a man of wealth but rather a hardworking father who lived a modest life in New Jersey. Born in 1916 and passing in 1977 at age 61, Angelo was married to Mary Ann Mesce, with whom he had three children—Louise, William, and Joe Pesci.
His occupations as a forklift driver at General Motors and as a bartender reflect the blue-collar dedication of an Italian-American man providing for his family during mid-20th-century America.
While there is no known net worth attributed to Angelo, his true legacy lies in his family—most notably in his youngest son, Joe, who went on to global fame and fortune.
Behind the curtain of Hollywood glamour, Angelo Pesci’s story deserves recognition. He represents countless fathers who quietly build the foundations upon which their children can dream, achieve, and succeed.
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