Winton John Pelizzoni

Winton John Pelizzoni
Winton Win John Pelizzoni died in Allentown, PA, on Friday, March 18, 2011, at age 97. Born April 21, 1913, in Allentown, he was the third of four sons of the late Joseph and Irene (Rege) Pelizzoni. A 1930 graduate of Allen High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University in 1934. On September 9, 1950, he married Patricia Hogan, and they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage with family and friends at a gala event at the Lehigh Country Club. Soon after college, he began a remarkable career spanning 44 years with Mack Trucks, Inc., joining his father, a General Superintendent, and three brothers who all worked for Mack in management capacities. The Pelizzonis were among the first Mack families, to make significant contributions to the companys growth and the quality of its products over many years. Win started in the Engine Development & Test Laboratory at the International Plainfield Motor Co. (Mack Trucks) in Plainfield, NJ. He became Lab Manager in 1942 and was actively involved in developing the Mack diesel engine (known as the Lanova), which became the direct injection Thermodyne diesel. This product boosted Macks reputation for reliability and economy of operation in the 50s and 60s. In 1957, Win advanced to Executive Engineer in charge of Macks entire Engine Design & Development. In 1961, the plant moved to Hagerstown, MD, where he was promoted to Chief Engineer-Powertrains Division. In 1971, he was transferred to Macks Allentown headquarters, where he was elected Vice President Engineering-Product Development with responsibility for all new product programs. Win was awarded numerous patents throughout his career, all relating to internal combustion engines. His most notable achievement was co-inventor of the Maxidyne Engine Principle, the first successful constant horsepower diesel engine in the heavy-duty truck industry. It has been described as the greatest breakthrough in diesel technology since the invention of the diesel itself. It was a great success for Mack and played a major role in the companys preeminence in the late 60s. The Maxidyne engine ultimately revolutionized the trucking industry worldwide. A licensed professional engineer in PA and MD, Win was a 50+-year member of the Society of Automotive Engineers; he served on technical committees, chaired meetings, presented papers at local and national meetings, and was elected to Fellow membership in recognition for his industry contributions. He also became a Director on the Board of the Engine Manufacturers Association and was honored with the prestigious Alumni Award in 2004 for his contributions to Lehigh University. After retiring in 1978, Win consulted for Mack Trucks, the Penske Indy Cars Racing Team, and other firms. His was indeed a brilliant mind that remained active. He left behind works in progress, including a new clutch invention that he intended to market. In his retirement, among his greatest pleasures was time spent on the Delaware River, where he enjoyed relaxing, boating, fishing, reading, admiring nature, and reliving treasured family memories. He was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. Survivors: Surviving Win are his wife, Patricia Hogan Pelizzoni; daughters, Pamela and Celeste; sons, Peter, Winton II, David, and Paul; daughter-in-law, Megan (Davids wife); and grandchildren Brenna, Natalie, and Benjamin. Services: Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown. Call from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at the Church. Interment is immediately following at Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum, 547 Krocks Road, Allentown. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome and should be mailed to LifePath - Milford Square Pike, 3500 High Point Blvd, Bethlehem, PA. 18017 and to St.Thomas More Catholic Church 1040 Flexer Ave. Allentown, PA 18103. Arrangements by the J. S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown.