Harold Y. Hunsicker
Harold Y. Hunsicker, 95, former Frankfort resident, passed away Dec. 27,
2009, in Lower Burrell, Pa.
Mr. Hunsicker was born Dec. 22, 1914, in Frankfort. He was married to
Alice M. Kerns on Aug. 20, 1939, and lived in Cleveland, Ohio, for 20
years and in Lower Burrell, Pa., for 50 years.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from
Purdue University in 1932 and a Masters degree in metallurgical
engineering from Case Institute of Technology in 1939 (now Case Western
Reserve University).
He began his career in 1936 as a research engineer in the Alcoa Research
Laboratories division in Cleveland, and after several years as its
assistant manager, transferred to the New Kensington laboratories as
manager of the Physical Metallurgy Division, a position he held for over
20 years.
During his years in Cleveland, he pioneered development of aluminum alloy
bearings for automotive, stationary and marine engines, compressors and
other machinery, brazed components for automatic transmission torque
converters, and improved alloys for high strength and aircraft castings.
At New Kensington and the Alcoa Technical Center, he directed the programs
in alloy development for aerospace wrought products, aluminum cans,
architectural and automotive products, welding and brazing alloys and
specialty electrical conductors. He also headed the programs for research
and application of advanced techniques for analysis of metallurgical
microstructures, effects of thermomechanical processing and their use for
improvement and control of alloy properties.
He authored a number of technical papers, co-authored several books and
handbooks and held a number of patents on his aluminum alloy developments.
He was a Life Member of ASM International and a Legion of Honor Member of
TMS, the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society, being active in both by
serving on numerous committees and as chairman of both organizations’
Cleveland chapters. He was also a member of Sigma Xi, the Research
Honorary, for over 60 years. He was named a Fellow of ASM International in
1970, a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus of Purdue University in 1967,
and was a co-recipient of Alcoa’s Arthur Vining Davis Award in 1988. He
was listed in American Men and Women of Science.
A 50-year member and elder of Grace Community Presbyterian Church, he
served as its treasurer for several years and played in the handbell
choir.
He was interested in and enjoyed music, travel, photography, woodworking
and history. In retirement he co-authored and co-edited “Lore of Yore,”
the history of the communities of New Kensington, Arnold and Lower
Burrell. While a student at Purdue University, he transcribed for the
symphonic band two complete symphonies and in retirement arranged a number
of orchestral scores for organ as well as hymn settings for organ and bell
choirs.Memorial donations may be given to Grace Community Presbyterian Church of
Lower Burrell, Pa.
Visitation and Services
Private family services will be held.
Survived by:
Survivors include his children, Patricia Ann Tiitto of Winfield, Ill.,
James Alan Hunsicker of Sandusky, Ohio, and Susan Alice Dryburgh of
Boardman, Ohio; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Preceded by:
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel M. and Carrie Yundt
Hunsicker; a sister, Helena Grinstead; a granddaughter, Holly Hunsicker;
and his wife, Alice.
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