Born on August 24, 1934, in the Lincoln-Lemington section of Pittsburgh, Anthony M. DiGioia Jr., Ph.D., lived a life that traversed the realms of engineering brilliance and community devotion. His journey, rooted in the close-knit neighborhood of Lincoln Avenue, would lead him to become a renowned engineer, successful entrepreneur, and a cherished member of the Pittsburgh community. Growing up above his immigrant father’s tailor shop, DiGioia’s upbringing was a quintessential Italian-American tale.
Upon retiring from GAI at the age of 70, having nurtured the firm to over 600 employees, DiGioia’s commitment to excellence and leadership continued. Former clients sought his counsel, leading him, at the age of 72, to collaborate with Mr. Gray once again. Together, they established DiGioia Gray & Associates, an engineering firm that thrived and eventually became part of the larger Gannett Fleming.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, DiGioia remained deeply connected to his roots. The Lincoln Avenue community held a special place in his heart, and he played a pivotal role in founding The Old Neighbor’s Community Picnic—a testament to his commitment to nurturing relationships and fostering community spirit. Anthony M. DiGioia Jr. passed away, leaving behind a legacy of engineering excellence, leadership, and a profound impact on the Pittsburgh community. His story is a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and community engagement, showcasing the remarkable achievements that can arise from a life well-lived.
Surrounded by three siblings, his summers were filled with the joy of playing baseball, where he earned the nickname “Dietz” while skillfully manning second base. The echoes of his youth, spent in the heart of the Lincoln-Lemington community, would resonate throughout his life, becoming a foundational element in his personal and professional endeavors. DiGioia attended Central Catholic High School, where his journey of academic and personal growth began.
In 1956, he married Carole Kerr, his companion from Corpus Christi parochial school on Lincoln Ave. Their union spanned 54 years until Carole’s passing in 2010. In 2015, DiGioia found love again with Pat Clair, his wife of seven years who survives him. Throughout his life, DiGioia was a chronicler of memories, always seen with at least one camera in hand. He captured decades of family vacations, birthdays, and special occasions, finding joy in revisiting the past.
His videos were not just a testament to his technical skills but also a reflection of his deep appreciation for family and heritage, especially the memories tied to Lincoln Avenue and his family’s home in Penn Hills. DiGioia pursued his passion for engineering at the Carnegie Institute of Technology, now Carnegie Mellon University. Engaging in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps during his time at CMU, he earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in civil engineering. His academic achievements laid the groundwork for a remarkable career that spanned decades.
During the Berlin Crisis of 1961, DiGioia answered the call of duty and served as an infantryman before being assigned to the Army Corps of Engineers. This experience would shape his approach to problem-solving and leadership in the years to come. In collaboration with classmate Dick Gray, DiGioia was chosen by their CMU professor, Elio D’Appolonia, to join his firm. This marked the beginning of a journey that led to the founding of General Analytics Inc., later renamed GAI. The firm provided consultation services in energy, transportation, development, government, and industrial markets. DiGioia’s expertise in geotechnical engineering for power transmission lines made him a widely recognized authority in his field.
