David Harris Bialosky
BIALOSKY: David Harris Bialosky, age 81, of Pittsburgh, passed away Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 in Rochester, New York, from injuries sustained in a bicycling accident.
Dave was born July 20, 1942, in Portsmouth, Ohio, to Jerome and Carmel (Handelman) Bialosky. He graduated from Homestead High School in 1960 and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in chemical engineering from Carnegie Tech (Mellon) in 1964 and a Master of Science Degree in chemical engineering from the Pennsylvania State University in 1966. Dave was attending a fraternity mixer while visiting his sister, Judi, at Penn State in 1963 when a young lady caught his eye. He strategically positioned himself and when opportunity struck (overhearing her say she was from Pittsburgh) interjected himself into the conversation. The commonality of the shared hometown led to an extended conversation between Dave and Jacqueline Bennett. Dave’s sister had intended to set him up with an acquaintance during his visit; however, Dave informed her the next day she should cancel his other date. Dave married Jacqueline (Bennett) Bialosky in 1966 and they shared 57 years as husband and wife. Dave and Jackie started their life together in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked as a chemical engineer for Standard Oil of Ohio. After a year in Cleveland, he became a chemical engineer for Calgon Corporation in Pittsburgh, where he worked 33 years before retiring in 2000.
Dave was a wonderful husband and a caring father and grandfather. He and Jackie had two children and four grandchildren. Dave loved his children and prioritized involvement in their lives. He was an assistant coach for little league teams and served in leadership roles in their youth organizations. He engaged in nightly family dinners, games of catch in the backyard and yearly family vacations. Dave carried this passion over to his grandchildren with whom he loved spending time and was instrumental in teaching them to tie their shoes, ride a bike, drive and complete their homework when their questions exceeded their parents’ knowledge or patience. Dave was an avid bicyclist. For years he rode most days regardless of the weather conditions and true to his engineering background, he meticulously kept a daily log of his rides including the date, temperature and humidity, distance and time. Dave continued to ride his bicycle a minimum of 20 miles most days until his death. He was a recognizable figure in the community among friends and neighbors who frequently commented on seeing him on his bicycle all over the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Dave was an active member of the Western Pennsylvania Bicycle Club recognized with a lifetime achievement award for his service as membership chair, club secretary and event volunteer. Dave is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jackie; son Joel (Laurie) Bialosky of Gainesville, Florida; daughter Ellen (Tim) Drook of Pittsburgh; grandchildren Justin and Walter Bialosky, and Cosette and Cara Drook; and brother Don (Betsy) Bialosky of Pittsburgh. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Carmel Bialosky, and sister Judith Weisberg. A private service will be held to celebrate Dave’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider memorial donations to the Trail Volunteer Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation Attn: Arlene Vukas, 5 PPG Place, Suite 250, Pittsburgh PA 15222 (they-working.org/helpus/) or the Harbor House of Rochester, 89 Rossiter Road, Rochester, NY 14620 (harborhouseofrochester.org/make-a-donation/). PJC
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