“Condolences & RIP” NASCAR Community Joins in Mourning as One of Their Own Loses His Mother

Growing up in Chicago, there was a “rabid sports fan” inside Pete Pistone who we today know as the popular motorsports broadcaster and reporter, often hearing his stories on SiriusXM. While many would believe that he was exposed to racing “from day one,” as he revealed often, because of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and his uncle Tom ‘Tiger’ Pistone, it was not quite true. His family indeed was all about the sport. His father, Sam, too worked with Tiger. But that’s not where his connection to NASCAR started. “The first race I attended was probably somewhere in my mother’s womb,” he revealed in 2014 to Jeff Wackerlin of Motor Racing Network. After 61 years, although we might know much about his mother, Patricia (Patsy) Ann Piston, many can certainly say they connected with her like their mothers.

Charlene Kroening, friend of Pete’s brother Terri, still remembers it like yesterday. As a mother of five, Patsy spent 23 dedicated years working for Dr. Greenwald and Womancare. One day, she asked Charlene if she would like to work with her as an evening nurse, bringing Kroening closer to her passion. As Charlene puts it, Patricia “was always smiling even when it was a hectic day.” And days were indeed hectic for her. When not working as an evening nurse, Patsy was managing the iconic Kroch’s and Brentano’s bookstore. And that’s how her earlier days went as well.

 She volunteered at her children’s schools and with her warm and kind demeanor, came to be known as “the mom of the neighborhood.” That’s exactly how she made Vivian feel too when she first went to their home for dinner as Gina’s friend back when she was just 18. As she puts it, “I left feeling like she was my mom!” 

Born in Chicago, Illinois on December 19, 1938, Patricia’s life revolved around her family. She married her love Sam Pistone in 1957 and was beside him until he died in January 2009 at the age of 78. Then, she moved to “the best place on Earth” — St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly– where she passed away on May 4 at 86 years old. Indeed, the entire NASCAR family lost a member who felt like their own mother and her home felt like their own.

Today, she is survived by her children: Pete (Michele), Terri (Gary), Rose (Jim), Gina (Matt), and Angela (Dave) and her six grandchildren who she would gather every holiday for a joyful celebration of life. While Pete broke the sad news about her demise on X, we don’t yet know the reason for the same. However, she indeed lives in everyone that she had met. And Pete knows it as he wrote in the tweet: Heartbroken our beloved mom passed away today – words can’t begin to describe what she meant to my family and everyone else who came in contact with her during her amazing life – we love you mom #Patsy. Pete added a photo of Patsy, smiling with her kind eyes.

The family has ideated a beautiful keepsake celebrating Patsy’s life that will be filled with stories, memories, and condolences from family and friends who knew her. As per the details in the book, visitation will begin May 9th, Friday, and 9:30 am at St. Joseph’s Homes for the Elderly 80W, Northwest Hwy, Palatine, Illinois.

Now, Pete Pistone reminisces about everything ‘cool’ that he shared with his mother who was always there to support him. And the NASCAR community rallied together to support him like a strong pillar.

Veterans and fans unite at a time of distress

The NASCAR world has been going through a tough time recently. As another wave of sadness washes over the community, they stand together, supporting Pete Pistone’s loss. Fellow members of the NASCAR media gathered to express their condolences. Jeff Gluck, a prominent NASCAR journalist for The Athletic, wrote a heartfelt message. “Oh gosh, Pete. I’m so, so sorry for your loss. Felt like I heard about #Patsy so many times over the years!! Thinking of you and your family.”

Then another motorsports media personality, Holly Cain, also left her condolences: “So incredibly sorry! I know how much you loved her!” A fan also sympathized with Pete Pistone in the comments: “Sorry for your loss Pete!! Condolences 🙏🏼 RIP.”

Even a renowned racetrack on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, Pocono Raceway, chipped in. Pete Pistone has covered races at the 2.5-mile ‘Tricky Triangle’ several times on MRN. Now, Pocono’s official X account penned its condolences to stand by Pistone in these difficult times. “Sorry for your loss Pete. Thoughts are with you and your family.”

Andrew Stallings, founder and President of Athelo Group, also stood by Pistone, wishing the best for his children. “I’m so sorry, Pete. Give the girls my love. She truly was the enigma of your family and then some. 🍷” A diehard NASCAR fan empathized with Pistone by referring to his own loss. They wrote, “I’m sorry to hear this Pete. It’s hard. I lost my Mom in 2017. #Patsy”

As Pete Pistone weathers his challenges, the NASCAR world supports him. We express our deepest condolences to the Pistone family at this harsh time.