Santos "Shorty" Pizarro, New York Hilton

We are sad to announce the passing of Santos Pizarro, an Engineer at the New York Hilton. Santos was known by everyone as “Shorty”. He is remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, a great coworker, and an active Union member.

His daughter, Christina, shared these words on behalf of his family: “It is with great sadness that we share the unfortunate passing of our wonderful father known to all as 'Shorty.' He was an awesome father to Anthony, Maria, and Christina, as well as a loving and caring husband to our mother, Carmella, for 55 years. He took great pride in being a grandfather to Jarryl, Anthony, Brandon and Jaleesa. Our dad also wore the title of friend to many, which to him was a true honor. 

"He was loved by all who had the pleasure of coming into contact with him, even if it was only for a moment. However, those who were fortunate enough to really know our Dad are the real lucky ones. I am sure they all will concur that he possessed an aura of love, joy, kindness, friendliness, a willingness to lend a hand and, of course, always wearing that beautiful smile. 

"He had many passions and accomplishments in his lifetime. He loved food and cooking. He won a company recipe contest for his famous 'Shrimp Ala Pizarro.' He loved music, often boasting about playing alongside Blondie and his very good friend Ismael Miranda. He was also an avid bowler, managing to bowl a perfect 300 on more than one occasion. He loved and respected his Union family and took pride in being a part of it all. The holiday parties (dressed as Santa), the meetings, but most of all the relationships he built with the people there.

"The picture we chose was from his retirement party. His smile says it all. That moment for him was bitter sweet.

"We love him and miss him terribly. However we know that his legacy will live on, not only through us, but through all the lives he has touched. We will be honoring and memorializing him at a later date.”

A couple of Shorty’s colleagues added their own memories of working with Shorty over the years:

Local 56 President, Union Delegate, and Mechanic Michael Mendez shared his memories of Shorty, “I’ve known Shorty for about 20 years. He was ‘the mayor’ of the Hilton. He was Santa at the Hilton’s holiday party each year and he participated in trainings to welcome on board every new worker at the hotel. He was a jolly guy and a really good person. Everybody loved him.”

Larry McNeil, Shorty’s Business Agent, described Shorty as an absolute delight as a member and an employee. “Shorty was easy-going. He never complained, he worked hard, and knew his stuff. Above all, he was a real sweetheart and an absolute joy to be around.”