Pat Pittavino was known as a visionary leader in Griffith. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Griffith community and business leaders have paid tribute to former Griffith councillor Pat Pittavino, who passed away on Wednesday 14 September, just five days after his 68th birthday.
Mr Pittavino, who had been battling pancreatic cancer, was also a former president of the Griffith Business Chamber and the 1999 Labor state election candidate for the seat of Murrumbidgee.
Current chamber president Paul Pierotti paid tribute to his longtime friend and ally.
“I’m just devastated at the loss of my friend,” he said. “I was honoured to have spent over 20 years in his presence and worked alongside him on many projects … he always had so many ideas it was hard to keep up.
“Pat’s passion and vision for our community led him to great achievements and his contribution to the Griffith community will never be forgotten. He was a visionary who gave shape to several organisations.
“Pat was clearly ahead of his time and thought outside the square. A leader. An entrepreneur. A mentor to some. A unique person who aspired to make change and achieve more. Never afraid to make some noise and stand up, speak out, but always had his community at heart.
“May your legacy live on Pat. Rest in peace our dear friend.”
Mr Pittavino was known as a mover and shaker who always wanted to see Griffith progress, be it in healthcare, education, digital connectivity or business. He was always heavily involved in community projects and sought to represent the town in leadership positions. He was a Griffith councillor from 1995 to 2009 and business chamber executive for 18 years. He was also an Apex president, chairman of the Griffith Taxi Board and worked extensively in Griffith regional telecommunications.
As a passionate advocate for Griffith Base Hospital, he campaigned for the re-opening of culinary services at the facility, wanting fresh produce to be cooked onsite rather than frozen meals being imported from Wagga. Mr Pittavino also supported Griffith pothole vigilante Michael Crump’s activism to fix potholes on roads around the town.
His reputation as a community champion was evident decades ago. At the 1999 NSW state election, he stood as the Labor candidate for the seat of Murrumbidgee against the National Party’s Adrian Piccoli. While Mr Piccoli won the seat, Mr Pittavino’s candidacy was partly responsible for a nine per cent swing against the incumbent Nationals.
Winery supremo Darren De Bortoli joined in the tributes for Mr Pittavino.
“A sad day for the community of Griffith,” he called it.
“Pat always worked in the best interest of our local community, always the advocate for fairness and common sense. He will be sadly missed and on a much lighter note it was going to be his shout for the next luncheon of the triumvirate.”
Griffith mayor Doug Curran said, “Mr Pittavino served on many council committees while as a councillor and after his term and also held executive positions on the Griffith Business Chamber and the Regional Development Australia – Riverina Board. Mr Pittavino had a passion for the thriving community of Griffith and council passes its sincere condolences to Mr Pittavino’s wife Pam, their daughters and families.”
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