What lie does MrPignati tell about his wife in the Pig man?

In "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel, Mr. Pignati tells the main characters, John and Lorraine, that his wife, Conchetta, is away visiting relatives. In reality, she has passed away, and he is lonely and grieving her loss. This lie highlights Mr. Pignati's deep sense of loneliness and his desire for companionship, as he seeks to connect with the young protagonists.