William A. DeSavino

William A. DeSavino, 99, passed away Saturday morning September 23, 2023 at his home in

Scott Township Surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, the former

Shirley Fenwick. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 55 years Dorothy Greinert.

Born in Dunmore, he was the son of the late Joseph and Leona Bird DiSavino. Bill was a

graduate of Girard College in Philadelphia, served honorably in the Army Air Corps as a pilot

during WWII. He then went on to graduating from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s

degree in Aerospace which landed him spending his career as an engineer in the industry. While

there he was a member of the University of Texas Swim Team. His life’s work began while

working for Rocketdyne Co., the rocket engine company responsible for the Vernier engine

which he designed and had been flown on all Atlas and Thor launch vehicles with no flight

failures. For his career accolades most of his work was with the aerospace corporation, following

his work on the titan rocket, he worked as director of medium launch vehicles mainly Thor and

Atlas, he was closely involved with the first launch of the Thor rocket. Bill was also director of

launch operations for AF shuttles out of Vandenberg AFB and Cape Canaveral He often said he

didn’t work a day in his life as he loved what he did. After retirement He and Shirley cruised the

world, he could often be found enjoying his pup Willie. In later years he enjoyed eating at local

restaurants and weekly Sunday dinners at his home.

Also surviving are daughters, Susan Pisani and her husband Benjamin, Spearfish, SD, Donna

Vito and her husband Emanuel, Waverly, Judi Williams and her husband Tim, Justus, and Lisa

Pirino, Clarks Summit, and son in law Bart Pirino, eleven grandchildren, Jacqualine, Jennifer,

Patrick, Katie, Marisa, Benjamin Jr., Nikki, Daniel, David, Christopher, and Coley, and five great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by a son Stephen DeSavino and a brother Frank DiSavino

The funeral will be Friday with Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM in Visitation of the Blessed

Virgin Mary Church in Dickson City. Inurnment to immediately follow in Union Cemetery of

Madisonville. Memorial contributions may be made to Traditional Home Health Hospice 113 W

Drinker St Dunmore Pa.18512 or his beloved Girard College 2101 S College Ave Philadelphia

19121.

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