Thomas “Tom” Pietrogallo dedicated his life to serving others and believed deeply in treating every person with dignity, compassion and respect.
As Chief Executive Officer of The Poverello Center, Tom helped guide the organization through some of the most important years in its history. Under his leadership, Poverello evolved from its roots as an AIDS service organization into a broader community resource serving thousands of individuals and families across South Florida who are living with HIV, chronic and critical illnesses and food insecurity.
Tom brought together his experience as a licensed clinical social worker and nonprofit leader with a deeply personal commitment to helping people. He earned his Master of Social Work from the University of South Florida, became a licensed clinical social worker in 2001 and later earned his MBA from Florida Atlantic University.
During his tenure, Poverello strengthened its nutrition programs, expanded nutrition education, developed programs addressing youth food insecurity and extended its reach into communities experiencing barriers to healthy food. More than programs or numbers, however, Tom's legacy lives in the belief that everyone who comes to Poverello deserves to be treated with kindness and dignity.
Tom passed away on May 10, 2026, at the age of 63. His impact on Poverello and the South Florida community continues through the people he served, the organization he helped shape and the mission he cared for so deeply.
Key Dates
1962 — Thomas S. Pietrogallo is born
1987 — The Poverello Center is established
2026 — Tom's legacy of service continues through Poverello
The Thomas S. Pietrogallo Memorial Fund was created to honor Tom's life and carry forward the work to which he dedicated so much of his own.
Gifts made in his memory support Poverello's ongoing mission to provide food, healthcare and essential services to individuals and families throughout South Florida. Every contribution helps ensure that the compassion, dignity and care that defined Tom's leadership continue to reach people who need them.
Nutritious groceries and medically tailored food for individuals and families living with chronic illness and food insecurity.
Accessible healthcare, HIV/STI testing and connections to treatment and support.
Services that help people live healthier lives with dignity, independence and care.
Tom believed in meeting people with compassion, respecting their dignity and making sure they had access to the resources they needed to live healthier lives. Through the Thomas S. Pietrogallo Memorial Fund, that commitment continues.
Major gifts and planned giving
For major gifts, planned gifts or questions about the fund, contact Jose Castillo, Deputy Executive Director, Business Operations.
jcastillo@poverello.org
