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Cornelius “Corky” Phillip Pigott of Clovis, Calif., formerly of Storm Lake, passed away peacefully on Aug. 24, 2026, at the age of 83.
Phil was born in Storm Lake to Cornelius and Margaret (Staber) Pigott. He was the middle of three brothers, with his older brother, Robert (Sandy), and younger brother, James. Phil attended St. Mary’s Grade School and St. Mary’s High School in Storm Lake. He later attended Mankato State University and graduated from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake with a bachelor of arts degree in English. He went on to earn a master of finance from American College.
Phil married Lovee Dianne Hanson, and together they had four children: Todd, Kindra, Katina and Shawn. Dianne, Katina and Shawn predeceased him.
The family eventually moved to California, where Phil began his career with Pacific Mutual Insurance Company. He was hired to rework life insurance contracts, making them easier for clients to understand through clearer, more accessible language.
Phil later moved to Fresno, where he began building his own financial services business. He found great fulfillment in working with clients throughout the Central Valley, helping them navigate their financial futures and prepare for retirement. He became the CEO of Pigott Financial Corporation and dedicated 40 years to the financial services industry before retiring in 2023.
In 1985, Phil married Mary “Marty” Bair. Together, they worked side by side in the business for many years.
Phil was a devoted father to Todd and Kindra and a loving stepfather to Tony, Chris and Julie Delgado. He was a proud grandfather to Nicholas, Zachary and Camryn Pigott; Allison Vidal; Nicholas, Benjamin and Andrew Delgado; Olivia, Anna and Alden Delgado; and Aiden and Ashton Franzen.
Family was paramount in Phil’s life. Some of his greatest joys came from spending time with his children and grandchildren. He especially loved running, biking, hiking, white-water rafting and simply being together with the people he loved. His family will remember him for his adventurous spirit, his dedication to those around him, and the countless memories they shared.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 19 at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720. A Rosary will be held at 10 a.m. prior to the Celebration of Life.
A luncheon will follow immediately after the service at UCP’s new home at 2044 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
The family will hold a funeral Mass and burial in the family plot in Storm Lake in July 2027.
The family requests that flowers not be sent. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Cerebral Palsy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.
