George A. Pecoraro Sr. Ph.D.

George A. Pecoraro Sr., Ph.D., 76, of Lower Burrell, died Sunday, June 25, 2017, at Allegheny Valley Hospital, Natrona Heights. He was born Nov. 9, 1940, in Chicago, Ill., son of the late Joseph and Sara Marie (Vallone) Pecoraro. He was the husband of Patricia M. (Guida) Pecoraro of 53 years, of Lower Burrell. Besides his parents, he was preceded by a brother, Joseph K. Pecoraro. Mr. Pecoraro earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in ceramic engineering from the University of Illinois, and his Ph.D., in materials science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1969. He moved from Chicago to the Pittsburgh area in 1963 to work for PPG Industries as an engineer, where he received the PPG Industries Inc. President's Award in 1987, and the PPG Recognition of Excellence Award in 1993. He worked for PPG until his retirement in 2003. From 2003 until the present, he was a glass industry consultant for glass-related injuries and product liability, glass technology and the glass founding process. He was named to Who's Who in Technology in 1972, had numerous patents for glass and glass refractories, and had traveled the world to lend his expertise to numerous glass-producing companies. He was conferred the title of Fellow of the American Ceramic Society in 2001. From 2007 to 2009, he was appointed as a voting member of the International Building Code Structural Committee by the Board of Directors of the International Code Council. A devoted husband and loving father, he embraced his Christian faith. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and watching Pittsburgh sports. Survivors include his loving wife, Patricia M. (Guida) Pecoraro, of 53 years, of Lower Burrell; three sons, George A. Pecoraro Jr., of New Kensington, Paul (Robin Rodbro) Pecoraro, of Illinois, and Christopher (Dr. Anna Casu) Pecoraro, of Italy; two daughters, Sarah (Robert) Mrozek, of Lower Burrell, and Terri (Rich) O'Connor, of Illinois; seven grandchildren, Alyssa and Matthew Mrozek, Danielle Rodbro, Anthony and Mary Pecoraro, Steven Rzewnicki and Payton O'Connor; and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the GIUNTA-BERTUCCI FUNERAL HOME INC., 1509 Fifth Ave., Arnold, JohnPaul Bertucci, owner-supervisor. Prayers of transfer will take place at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Mt. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Lower Burrell. To leave an online condolence, visit www.giunta-bertucci.com.

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