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EASTON, Conn. – James Pisaretz, of Easton, died Saturday, March 12 after a battle with cancer. He was 62.
He was born March 1, 1954, in Bridgeport, to Peter and the late Doris Keane Pisaretz. He graduated with honors from Fairfield Prep High School and went to Western Connecticut State University, then moved to Long Beach, Calif., where he graduated magna cum laude from Long Beach State with a journalism degree.
His career in publishing began as a driver and writer for Biker News magazine. He then began editing and writing early 1980s motorcycle publications, Chopper, F.T.W. and Biker. He was founding and senior editor of Easy Rider’s Publications, Biker Lifestyle, and beginning in 1984, Tattoo, which continues to be the largest-selling tattoo publication worldwide.
He interviewed many greats, including blues artist Johnny Winter about his tattoos and actor Steve McQueen, who welcomed him into his home to talk about his car and motorcycle collection. It was one of the actor’s last interviews.
Among his travels throughout the country covering various tattoo and bike events, he met many famous and interesting people and tattoo artists. He worked crew on a 52-foot catch sailing from Hermosa to Hawaii and fished for salmon in Alaska. Upon moving back to Connecticut, he was employed at a Bridgeport foundry, where he learned the art of lost-wax metal casting. He had a great love of literature, music and cooking.
He is survived by his father, Peter Pisaretz (Pat) of Easton; brother, John Pisaretz (Elizabeth) of Bridgeport; sister, Kathleen Taylor (Jay), and nephew, Mackenzie Taylor, all of Milford; and his 16-year-old cat, Mickey.
Friends may greet his family from 1-3 p.m. at the Shaughnessy Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Road, Fairfield Center. A gathering to celebrate his life will be conducted Saturday, May 21 at the S.S. Norden Club, 4 Seabright Ave., Bridgeport, at a time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name are requested to: The Maren Sanchez Home Foundation, c/o Attorney Michael McCabe, 2 Broad St., Milford, CT 06460.
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