William J. Gaughan

GAUGHAN
WILLIAM J.
Retired steel executive, philanthropist, Boy Scout leader and long time resident of Plum, died on December 22, 2005. He was 81 years old. He grew up on Pittsburgh's North Side and graduated from Central Catholic High School. Working at night in the open hearth at US Steel, Homestead Works, he earned a degree from Duquesne University. He went on to study metallurgical engineering at the University of Pittsburgh and worked his way Senior Systems Designer at Homestead Works. He was also a WW II Army Veteran. During his career he became active in the Boy Scouts of America and spearheaded many fund raising campaigns for the former East Valley Area Council. In addition, he authored a short book on the French and Indian War entitled "The Braddock's Crossing Trail". His work with the Boy Scouts was rewarded with the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. William Gaughan also made a hobby of collecting artifacts from Homestead Works. The collection includes: photographs, documents, logs and films relating to steel making. In 1995 he donated these items to the University of Pittsburgh. It is now displayed at the William J. Gaughan Collection in the industrial archives of the Hillman Library and a portion of the collection can be found on-line. Additional photographs are at the Heinz History Center. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Eleanor V. Gaughan and three cherished sons, William, Timothy and Jerome (who all became Eagle Scouts), daughters-in-law, Donna, Nancy and Colleen and grandchildren, Sean, Megan and Erin. Friends received 2-4 & 7-9 pm Friday at MAURICE L. KNEE LTD FUNERAL HOME, 7663 Saltsburg Rd., (across from S & T Bank) Plum. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday 10 am, St. John the Baptist Church. Entombment, Good Shepherd Garden Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers family suggests memorial contributions to the William J. Gaughan Collection at the University of Pittsburgh (Payable to University of Pittsburgh), c/o Al Novak, 500 Craig Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Mass intentions can be sent to the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, 220 37th St., Pgh., PA 15201.
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