Robert Alfred Signorelli's Obituary
Robert Alfred Signorelli passed away on August 17, 2017, holding the hand of his wife of 63 years, Alice H. Signorelli after a long struggle with dementia. Robert was born on August 18, 1928 in Torrington, CT, first son of the late Angelo and Louise Signorelli (nee Dall’Vechia). He pursued an Engineering degree , specializing in Metallurgy, first at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), then earning his Bachelors degree (BS) from Columbia University in New York City in 1952. Soon after graduation, he joined NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) at the Lewis Research Center (now Glenn Research Center), in Cleveland, Ohio as a research scientist. Robert spent his entire 35 year career at Lewis, although NACA was renamed NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in 1958, rising to the level of Head, Fiber Metallurgy Section. His work focused on improving materials to advance the performance of aeronautics and space propulsion/power systems, serving NASA, the US Air Force and the US Army. He published 78 research papers, 3 book chapters, 2 encyclopedia articles and 4 US patents and gave lectures at various universities. His outstanding work, including his seminal research on Metal Matrix Composites, was recognized both nationally and internationally and he received 3 IR-100 awards (Industrial Research Top 100 Most Significant New Technical Products of the Year). He was a member of numerous technical societies and committees and was elected president of both the ASM/AIME Composite Committee and International Committee for Composites. After his retirement in 1985, he received the honorary designation “Distinguished Research Associate” from NASA.
In addition to Robert’s professional accomplishments, he made important civic contributions to the city of Strongsville, Ohio, his hometown for 60 years, mobilizing to oppose overzealous development and installation of a heavy industrial die-casting plant. He felt his greatest legacy however was his 3 children in whom he took great pride for their accomplishments but most of all in their character.
In addition to his wife Alice (nee Hanchar), Robert is survived by his sister, Josephine (Phoebe) Spain (of Clearwater, FL). He is predeceased by his brother, Richard Signorelli (of Torrington, CT). He is the beloved father of Robert Bradford, Thomas Randall, and Kathy (Signorelli) Petrat; and admired grandfather to Matthew, Robert Nicholas, and Ryan.
At Robert’s request, he has been cremated. A memorial and Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 29th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 12700 Pearl Rd, Strongsville 44136, starting at 10:30am; Mass begins at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions in Robert’s name to either The Alzheimer Association (www.alz.org) or to Hospice Services of SW General (Strongsville) (www.swgeneral.com/ways-to-give) in appreciation for the outstanding care they provided over the past year and especially in Robert’s final days.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?
