Obituary of Brian Charles Pappalardo

Elmira:  Long-time Star Gazette employee, age 64 passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center, surrounded by his family.  Brian was born in Harrisburg PA, a son of the late Paul and Rita (Mailey) Pappalardo.  He is survived by his sister Karen Pappalardo; brothers, with their families, Mark and Andrea Pappalardo with sons, Gregory and Richard; Andrew and René Pappalardo with children, Taylor, Meg and Andrew John “AJ”.

Brian’s career in journalism started while he was a senior in high school when he went to work for the Elmira Star Gazette where he started as a sports agate clerk.  This part-time job would turn into a 32-year career with the newspaper.   From his high school days to his completion of three college degrees, Associates Degree in Business from Corning Community College, Bachelors of Arts in English from Elmira College, and a Masters of Arts in Communications from Ithaca College, Brian held various positions with the newspaper.  He was a reporter, page designer, copy editor, night editor.   While working at the newspaper Brian also worked at Elmira College for a couple of years where he was a writing tutor and instructor.  After his newspaper career, Brian made a successful transition to a freelance writing career.  His clients were a diverse mix, including a Fortune 500 company, an eating disorder treatment center, a law firm, a ski resort and a food bank.  Brian loved his career in writing and even had a theory, called the “Pappalardo Theory of Relativity” – “Everything that happens in the world has a connection to Elmira.”

Brian loved his circle of friends that he has had since his high school days, along with his Star Gazette family. He was an avid NY Yankee fan and reader.  In addition to his journalism career, Brian also enjoyed writing screen plays.  He loved his family; and was a fun uncle to his nieces and nephews.

Those who wish to may remember Brian with a donation to either the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, 388 Upper Oakwood Avenue, Elmira Heights NY 14903, or to glaucoma.org

Private services will be held.