ASPE-Pittsburgh Chapter History

By Jerry Valenti

On October 15, 1982, The Pittsburgh Chapter was formed and held its first meeting in the lower level floor of the Oliver Building. The original elected chapter officers included David Crossey (President), Robert Perucki (VP Technical), Henry Waida (VP Legislative), Paul Redick (VP Membership), Norman Clark (Treasurer), Tom Taylor (Administrative Secretary) and Raymond Paff (Corresponding Secretary). The Pittsburgh Chapter received its charter on April 13, 1983 from ASPE.

The Chapter started holding monthly meetings at Tambellini’s on 7th Street in Pittsburgh, PA.  Some of the other meeting locations through the years have included the Best Western Hotel on Banksville Road, Holiday Inn in Wilkinsburg, Holiday Inn North on McKnight Road, Jimmie G’s in Sharpsburg, Del’s in Lawrenceville, and Sciulli’s in McKees Rocks. Since its inception, these meetings have provided the local engineers, contractors, code officials and product representatives with numerous opportunities to interact and network.

The chapter has also been involved in the education of the Boy Scouts of America at Merit Badge University. This event is held annually at the Carnegie Mellon University Campus and staffed by current ASPE members. The program educates the scouts in the aspects of plumbing systems and gives them some insight on a possible future career.
​
The chapter also has held an annual golf outing since receiving its charter in 1983 – continuous for 32 years.  The first golf outing was held at Champion Lakes Golf Course. Other outings have been held at Quicksilver Golf Course, Shadow Lakes Golf Course, and River Forest Golf course.

On September 20, 2000 a group of Pittsburgh Chapter members including Jim Spinelli, Steve Kormanik and a few others grouped together and formed a chapter in the Johnstown area. These members continue to work closely with our chapter as a joint effort to promote the society and better the industry.

Over the years, there have been numerous volunteers that have served on the chapter board directors as well as the national board. Most recently a Pittsburgh Chapter member has served as Region 2 Director and Society Treasurer. A special thank you goes out to these people. For if not for them, our chapter would not be a success.