Harold Y. Hunsicker

December 27, 2009

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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