Kathleen G. Greer Pintell, age 79, of Butler, a notable dietitian, author, traveler, and “Patron Saint of Parties and Familial Celebrations”, passed away Thursday, December 24, 2020 at Good Samaritan Hospice at Cabot after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease, with her husband by her side.
The firstborn of Thomas Joseph and Mary Kathryn Neelans Greer, Kathleen arrived on July 16, 1941 and grew up on Pittsburgh’s Northside. She attended Assumption Elementary School, Mount Alvernia High School, and graduated from Mount Mercy College in 1964. In her final step to earning her certification as a registered dietitian, Kathleen interned at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, and began a remarkable professional career teaching, healing, and caring for people one great food plan at a time.
Kathleen’s first professional position was at Saint Francis Hospital in New Castle as the Director of Food Services and Nutrition. Always the consummate multi-tasker, Kathleen immediately designed and coordinated the renovation of the hospital’s outdated kitchen in addition to her daily duties. She then went on to work at Butler Memorial Hospital. Soon after leaving the hospital, she and her dear friend Anna “Dubby” Natili partnered to form Nutrition Associates, the most dynamic and highly reputable nutrition consulting firm in Western Pennsylvania.
Never known to rest on her successes and achievements, Kathleen co-authored two books on nutrition while working full time. She served as the president of both the National Consultant Dietitians in Health Care Facilities (CDHCF) and the Pennsylvania Dietetic Association. She also formerly served as the Health Inspector for the City of Butler.
She was a former member of the Butler County Symphony Association and she volunteered at Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church, where she assisted the parish with various duties.
She was a member of Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church.
As brave as she was strong, she became a stepmother to three teenagers who came to respect her words and value her opinions.
Kathleen and her husband Leonard traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad – on land and sea – and were known for bringing back gifts for family and friends. Entertaining their families and their extended families was the most important consideration for Kathleen and Leonard. Kathleen and Leonard opened the Pintell home to all, and Kathleen was known especially for her holiday family events, where serving up to 45 people was a blessing to be celebrated. That’s how she earned her nickname, “Patron Saint of Parties and Familial Celebrations”. She was also known for her holiday candies and cookies, and no one ever left her table hungry for food or companionship.
Kathleen is survived by her husband of 44 years, Leonard M Pintell; her stepchildren, Tracey (Andrew) Pintell Quade, of Valley Lee, Md., Leonard M. (Teri) Pintell II, of Apollo, Pa.; and Peter R. Pintell, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; her siblings, Thomas (Maryanne) Greer, Douglas (Cathy) Greer, Diane Greer, Ruth Ann (Frank) Henry, Eileen (Hershel) Chapman, Steve (Patti) Greer, and Maureen (Jack) Lemankiewicz; four grandsons; one great-granddaughter; many nieces and nephews; and numerous friends who loved her dearly.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Susan Rizza and Rosemary Thomas.
Kathleen was a giver, an attribute valued by her husband, family, friends and charities, and she volunteered frequently to help those in need. She was the matriarch of the Greer family, so conscientious and caring to her brothers and sisters. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. Kathleen, rest in peace, you have lived a life full of class, dignity and respect.
There will be no visitation.
Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Thursday, December 31, at 10 a.m. from Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 North McKean Street, Butler. Masks must be worn, and social distancing will be maintained. Those who unable to attend are invited to view the live stream at https://youtu.be/1a9heZZ1ltg
Private burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Kathleen’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Martin Funeral Home, Inc., 429 Center Avenue, Butler.
www.martinfh.net