judge lawyer business executive
Charles Mario Pieroni was born on December 31, 1910, in Muncie, Indiana, to Antonio Pieroni and Eletta Bonacorrsi Pieroni. He spent his early professional life in Muncie and later settled with his family in South Bend in 1954. He twice lived in Italy during his youth, spoke Italian as well as English, and maintained close connections with relatives near Lucca. In later life he lived in Naperville, Illinois.
Pieroni attended Ball State University and studied law at the University of Notre Dame Law School. He received his law degree in 1937. During the spring of his senior year, he passed the Indiana state bar examination, enabling him to begin practicing law before completing his degree.
Pieroni was admitted to the Indiana bar in 1936 and received his law degree from Notre Dame in 1937. He then founded and led a law firm in Muncie for approximately 20 years, with his brother Mario Pieroni serving as one of the partners. During this period he was elected municipal judge and also became involved in addressing alcoholism, establishing the first Alcoholics Anonymous chapter in Muncie. In 1954 he moved with his family to South Bend and began a 43-year association with the former Dallas & Mavis Forwarding Co., a nationwide heavy-hauling business, serving as its general manager. He was an expert in transportation law and among the country's original practitioners before the Interstate Commerce Commission. His management helped the company adapt to changing economic conditions and expand its operations. After retiring, he served as a court-appointed guardian ad litem and mentored a handicapped child.
Founded and led a successful law firm in Muncie for approximately 20 years.
Established the first Alcoholics Anonymous chapter in Muncie.
Helped develop Dallas & Mavis Forwarding Co. into a successful nationwide heavy-hauling business through innovative management.
Became one of the country's original practitioners of transportation law before the Interstate Commerce Commission.
Served after retirement as a court-appointed guardian ad litem and mentor to a handicapped child.
(A commentary co-authored by Charles M. Pieroni and Joseph...)
1935Pieroni was described by family and acquaintances as strong, compassionate, generous, and deeply committed to his family and community. His professional leadership was characterized by business acumen and innovative responses to changing economic conditions.
Quotes from others about the person
A family friend remembered Pieroni as a strong but compassionate person. His obituary also described him as a loving husband, devoted brother, beloved father, cherished grandfather, great-grandfather, and generous friend.
Pieroni traveled extensively with his wife and often with his children, visiting relatives in Italy and traveling through Europe, Russia, the Far East, and South America. In the 1960s he traveled the entire length of the Amazon. He supported Maryknoll missionaries and other charitable causes for many years.
Pieroni was married to Virginia Pike for 67 years, until her death in 2004. They had eight children: Anthony, Daniel, Nicholas, Marina, Gina, Gemma, Lisa, and Stephen. His brother Mario was his law-firm partner. Pieroni and Virginia celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in Barga, Italy, with their children, spouses, grandchildren, and extended family. He had 19 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
Pieroni's wife for 67 years; she died in 2004.
His brother and one of the partners in Pieroni's Muncie law firm.
