Amherst, John A. Pistel, 68, of Amherst, Massachusetts, died October 10, 2015, peacefully at home. He was born in Middletown, Connecticut, to the late Robert Frederick and Lydia Rasch Pistel. 

John graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1965, and Amherst College, Class of 1969, with a degree in American Studies, and then earned his master’s degree from Fairfield University in Connecticut. He taught English at Grayland Country Day School, Denver, Colorado. John was then appointed Head of the Middle School at Colorado Academy in Denver, Colorado, and became Headmaster at St. Mark’s School in San Rafael, California. Wanting to return to his roots in New England, he was then appointed Headmaster of Derby Academy in Hingham, Massachusetts. Before retirement, he returned to his alma mater as Director of Leadership Giving.

Mr. Pistel is survived by his wife, Gaye Bounty Pistel, son Adam Andrew Pistel of New York City, and daughter Katherine Grace Pistel of Watertown, Connecticut. 

John will be remembered as a kind and dry-witted man who was devoted to Amherst College, the New York Yankees, personal athletic pursuits, and especially his family and friends.   

The family would like to thank the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care at Baystate Health Center, Baystate Visiting Nurse and Hospice, members of South Congregational Church, the Amherst College community, and family and friends for their love and support.  

A Celebration of John’s life will be Saturday, October 24, at 11 AM at South Congregational Church, 1066 South East Street, South Amherst.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to Baystate Visiting Nurse and Hospice, 50 Maple St. Springfield, MA 01102