In Memoriam, fall 2024

Edward James "Ed" Barvick MED '68, January 2024, age 82, of Sierra Vista, Arizona. He was born and raised in Pittsburgh. Demonstrating leadership skills early on, he became an Eagle Scout at the age of 13. He served in the Navy from 1964 to 2001, when he retired with the rank of captain. After graduating from Pitt's School of Medicine with a board certification in anesthesiology, he practiced anesthesiology in Pittsburgh and Point Pleasant, New Jersey, as well as other cities in Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Arizona. He enjoyed playing tennis, cycling and running, and he completed 142 marathons. Much of his time was spent volunteering with the USO, where he dedicated up to 400 hours per year. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter, as well as several grandchildren.

William "Bill" Bickel EDUC '71G, '74G, May 2024, age 78, of Westborough, Massachusetts. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Bickel played football at North Hills High School and then at Oberlin College. During a 40-year career at the University of Pittsburgh, he served as a professor in the Administrative and Policy Studies Department with the School of Education and as a senior scientist at the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC). Bickel established and led the Evaluation for Learning Project, which supported various philanthropic organizations and the implementation of the Pittsburgh Promise scholarship program. He was a natural leader and mentor, known for his strong sense of humor and deep humanity among co-workers and students. After retiring, he moved to Westborough, where he took up pickleball, homemade winemaking and volunteered at a local food pantry. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna DiPrima Bickel; his two sons, Jonathan and Alex; and two grandchildren.

W. Barry Brautigam EDUC '57, '59, February 2024, age 89, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. After graduating from West View High School, he came to Pitt and played basketball for the Panthers. He went on to teach and coach at Shaler High School. In 1970, he and his family moved to Latrobe, where he continued teaching health and physical education and coaching basketball. After retiring from Greater Latrobe School District, he started an antique and collectibles business. In addition to coaching and teaching, he enjoyed spending time outdoors and shopping around at garage sales.

Kiki Doumas EDUC '74, '76G, March 2024, age 96, of Southpointe, Pennsylvania, formerly of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. She was born in Lockhaven, Pennsylvania, and raised in Greece. Returning to the United States in 1946, she moved to Pittston, Pennsylvania, before marrying in 1951. She and her husband moved to Pittsburgh in 1955. After graduating from Pitt's School of Education with a bachelor's degree and master's degree, she became a substitute teacher who taught French and Spanish. She loved to read and was known to have multiple library books with her at all times. She also enjoyed cooking, gardening and sewing, as well as entertaining guests.

Frank L. Fontana A&S '50, MED '54, March 2024, age 95, of Pittsburgh. He graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh before coming to Pitt for his undergraduate studies and medical school. He completed a surgical residency at Western Pennsylvania Hospital and then served as a captain in the Army Medical Corps in Camp Walters, Texas. The Army recognized him with a Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service for his service during Hurricane Carla and the aborted invasion of Cuba. Returning to Pittsburgh, he practiced medicine at Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Suburban East Hospital, Jefferson Hospital and McKeesport Hospital. He became chief of surgery and residency program director at McKeesport Hospital, eventually working his way up to medical director. He performed the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy at McKeesport Hospital and pioneered the use of EEA stapling devices. In addition to his clinical work, he taught as an associate professor of surgery at Pitt. Outside of his professional achievements, he loved to golf and was a big game hunter.

Alfred "Al" Francfort A&S '72G, April 2024, age 85, of Virginia. Born in Washington, D.C., he was the oldest of seven children. He majored in economics at Monmouth College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration before receiving a fellowship to attend Pitt, where he received a PhD in economics. He taught economics at Pitt Johnstown from 1972 to 1983 and served as faculty fellow in energy and minerals economics at the U.S. General Accountability Office. From 1983 to 2009, he was a professor of finance at James Madison University (JMU). He was a Fulbright scholar in Poland in 1987 and did research in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, developing contacts that led to the establishment of the International Exchange Program at JMU's College of Business. He loved to travel, and he and his wife spent part of the year at their home in Germany, using it as a headquarters as they followed their dreams of traveling the world.

Davina L. Gosnell NURS '67, March 2024, age 81, of Kent, Ohio. She was raised in Brewster, Ohio, and graduated from Brewster High School. After graduating from the Massillon City School of Nursing, she served in the Air Force Reserve. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pitt before obtaining her Master of Science in Nursing and PhD from The Ohio State University. She became part of the faculty at Kent State University in 1978 and spent 15 years as the dean of the College of Nursing. Retiring from the university in 2003, she joined Hiram College as the founding director of its nursing program in 2006. She was a consultant and supervisor for the Home Health Sciences at the Ohio Department of Health and held visiting consultant appointments with the World Health Organization. She served as chair of the Ohio Nurses Foundation and was a member of the board of directors of UH Hospitals Geauga Medical Center. A fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honorary, she published scholarly articles and books on nursing. Her work took her to Papua New Guinea, Denmark, Great Britain, the Bahamas and Zambia, and she hosted international students in Kent.

Frederick Sacco Hann A&S '88, March 2024, age 57, of Durham, North Carolina. He was a graduate of Fox Chapel High School in Pittsburgh and triple majored in mathematics, philosophy and science at Pitt. He loved to read and found special joy in sharing his knowledge with others, especially his nieces. Spending much of his time volunteering, he worked to enhance local schools and parks, and he was closely involved with the Eno River Association. One of his other hobbies was cooking, and he was known for the tasty recipes he would make from scratch. He is survived by his partner, mother, brothers and nieces.

Kenneth "Ken" Komoroski LAW '88, April 2024, age 69, of Pittsburgh. A graduate of Brentwood High School, he attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a degree in environmental engineering before coming to Pitt Law for his Juris Doctor. He worked as an engineer and supervisor of waste programs at PPG in Pittsburgh and then went on to be a partner in environmental law at a major global law firms. From 2004 to 2014, he was the presidentially appointed chair and federal commissioner for the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. A civic leader in Pittsburgh, he volunteered with the U.S. Attorney's Office National Heroin Task Force. He enjoyed fishing and helped to bring the 2005 ESPN Bassmaster Classic to Pittsburgh. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, two sons and several grandchildren.

Gerald "Jerry" McGinnis Sr. ENGR '60G, January 2024, age 89, of Greater Pittsburgh. He grew up in Ottawa, Illinois, and studied mechanical engineering at Illinois Valley Community College. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, he used support from the G.I. Bill to continue his education and received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois. He then began a work-study program at Westinghouse, through which he earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Pitt. His career at Westinghouse started in research and development, and in 1963, he became the manager of the bioengineering department. Joining Allegheny General Hospital in 1969, he worked as head of the surgical research department and conducted research on artificial hearts. He founded Lanz Medical Products in 1971, and his first two devices were a ceramic anesthesia mask and tracheotomy tube that he developed in his family's kitchen. Known for his humility and work ethic, he always put the comfort of the patient first. In 1976, he founded Respironics and developed the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPap) machines. The company became a leader in sleep apnea therapy and was eventually taken over by Royal Philips Electronics. He had more than a dozen U.S. patents and was recognized with many awards throughout his lifetime.

Sir Anthony J. F. O'Reilly, Pitt emeritus trustee, May 2024, 88, of Dublin, Ireland. From May 1979 to May 1983, he was a trustee at Pitt, where he served on the Health Sciences and Financial Development (renamed Institutional Advancement) committees. The Irish rugby star became president of the H.J. Heinz Co. in 1973 and was only 37 when he took over the famous North Side manufacturer of ketchup and baked beans. He retired as chief executive officer in 1998 but remained chairperson of the company until 2000. He was knighted in 2001 by Queen Elizabeth II for his work in promoting peace in Northern Ireland through the Ireland Funds, a charitable organization he co-founded in the 1970s with Dan Rooney, Pittsburgh Steelers owner and former ambassador to Ireland. In 1999, the Pittsburgh Public Theater was named O'Reilly Theater in his honor. In service to Pitt, he was also a charter trustee from February 1985 to June 1992, when he was named emeritus trustee. He also served on the board of visitors with Pitt's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. He is survived by his six children.

Richard Rolin O'Reilly A&S '57, April 2024, age 88, of Bakersfield, California. He came to Pitt after growing up on his family's farm in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree before earning his Doctor of Medicine from George Washington University, followed by a residency at Boston City Hospital. Heading west with the Navy Medical Corps, he met the woman who would become his wife, a Navy nurse at Naval Hospital Bremerton in Washington. They were married in Portland, Oregon, in 1965. During his time with the Medical Corps, he held various positions and eventually reached the rank of captain. He received the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Vietnam, and he served as part of President Reagan's surgical team on the president's trip to China in 1984. Retiring from the Medical Corps that same year, he continued his work in thoracic and vascular surgery and moved from Oakland, California, to Bakersfield. A devout Catholic, he was known for his kindness to patients and involvement in the community. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and traveling.

Jean P. Patterson SCI '76, March 2024, age 69, of Moore, South Carolina. At Pitt, she was in the first class of a new major: computer science. A lover of technology, she went on to be an officer at AmiCon Computer Group in Columbus, Ohio, and spent 40 years training people of all ages to use technology. Also an artist, she loved sewing, embroidery and quilting, and she made her own prom and wedding dresses, as well as countless gifts over the years. She met her future husband in seventh grade, and they enjoyed 48 years of marriage.

Andrea Pattillo A&S '97, April 2024, age 82, of Gulf Shores, Alabama. After a 26-year career in nursing, she graduated from Pitt with a bachelor's degree in anthropology. She was a lifelong member of The United Methodist Church and an active member in the church community, playing piano, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school and leading various committees. Most recently, she was a charter member of Magnolia United Methodist Church. Having lived in Gulf Shores since 2003, she formed many close friends through her active involvement in multiple church and community organizations. She is survived by her husband, five children, 14 grandchildren and a brother.

Sean Richmond A&S '08, May 2024, age 38, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Easton Area High School before coming to Pitt, where he was a student-athlete on the Panthers wrestling team. He was a three-year starter and an NCAA qualifier in 2007. In 2016, he became the head wrestling coach for Stroudsburg Area High School and went on to serve as the district's director of activities and athletics. The father of two girls, he was committed to his family and enjoyed working around the house, often with his father and father-in-law. He loved to cook and grill and always received compliments on the meals he prepared. Always one to put others first, he prioritized keeping in touch with friends and family, and he never failed to supply encouragement or a kind word. He is survived by his wife, their daughters, and his parents.

Jim Roddey, Pitt emeritus trustee, March 2024, age 91, of Valencia, Butler County, Pennsylvania. A native of North Carolina, the former Marine Corps captain and pioneering business leader became Allegheny County's first chief executive, serving one term from 2000 to 2004. In Pittsburgh, he served on at least 40 nonprofit or municipal boards, including the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, WQED, Pittsburgh Public Theater and more. With Pitt, he was a special trustee from 1993 to 1995 and a term trustee from 1995 to 1999, serving on the audit, health sciences, institutional advancement and nominating committees. In addition, he also served with Pitt's board of visitors at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, Graduate School of Public Health, Katz Graduate School of Business and the School of Dental Medicine. He is survived by his wife, Elin, and their two children.

Edward J. Sbardellati Jr. EDUC '80G, April 2024, age 77, of Middlesex, Vermont. He was born in Derby, Connecticut, and earned a bachelor's degree from Norwich University. Furthering his education, he received a Master of Science in elementary education from Southern Connecticut University, a Master of Education in special education from the University of Vermont and a PhD in special education from Pitt. He started his career as a middle school teacher in Connecticut before moving to Vermont to work as a consulting teacher in special education. After several years as a professor at the University of Vermont, he joined Washington County Mental Health as a behavioral consultant. He was a longtime member of the Vermont Association for Applied Behavior Analysis and, outside of work, enjoyed snowshoeing, skiing, golfing, traveling and kayaking.

Regis Stana ENGR '63, '65G, '67G, March 2024, age 82, of Lakeland, Florida. He was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and graduated from St. Vincent Prep before coming to Pitt, where he earned a bachelor's degree, master's degree and PhD in chemical engineering. He worked at Westinghouse Research, Wyoming Mineral Corporation and IMC-Agrico. After retiring in 1997, he consulted for the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice, as well as numerous companies and legal firms. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, as well as his sisters and brother.

Nancy Little Steele PHARM '52, April 2024, age 93, of Rockledge, Florida. Born in Patton, Pennsylvania, she graduated from Patton High School before attending Pitt's School of Pharmacy. She married Bob Steele, and the two enjoyed 58 years of marriage. They moved to Pompano Beach, Florida, in 1960, followed by Merritt Island, Florida, in 1971. She worked as a pharmacist at Hobbs Pharmacy for 23 years. A world traveler, she loved to explore new places, and she enjoyed playing golf and bridge. Preceded in death by her husband and one of her sons, she is survived by a son, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two sisters.

Russell "Russ" Terwilliger EDUC '72G, April 2024, age 90, of Marietta, Georgia. He was born in West Freedom, Pennsylvania, and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the State University of New York. Receiving his PhD from Pitt, he was awarded a fellowship in counseling psychology. He retired from the Georgia Institute of Technology as the director of the mental health and counseling center. Among his professional achievements was being appointed by the governor of Georgia to serve on the secretary of state's licensing division for professional counseling and mental services. He loved sports and especially enjoyed tennis and golf. He is survived by his wife, two sons, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Ann Gregg Woods KGSB '49, March 2024, of Richmond, Virginia. She was a graduate of Mary Washington College and earned a Master of Letters from the Katz Graduate School of Business. She worked at Reveille United Methodist Church for 55 years and was a member of the first committee organized to restore and maintain the church's historic garden. She was also a member of the Council of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the National Society of Colonial Dames in America, the Women's Club and the Tuckahoe Women's Club. She is survived by a sister, four nephews, seven great-nieces and great-nephews and a goddaughter.

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