Charles E. Pietri

Pietri, Charles Edward Age 81, died peacefully at his home in Western Springs, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, February 10. Charles was born July 6, 1930 in New York City to Charles and Marie Pietri. He graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and New York University and attended the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies. He and went on to live an extraordinary life, including a highly distinguished career as a research scientist, mentor, and leader, and a rich personal life as a community volunteer and loving father, husband, and friend. Charles was an active member of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management since 1970, and a Fellow of the Institute, INMM's highest level of membership, since 1996. He served on various Institute committees and provided technical leadership to committees supporting the management of nuclear materials.For 25 years he led the INMM Technical Program Committee, which coordinates and organizes the technical program for the Institute's annual meeting. In recognition of his outstanding service the Institute created the Charles E. Pietri Special Services Award in his honor in 2010. Most recently Charles was a consultant on laboratory and institutional management for a number of organizations including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) New Brunswick Laboratory (NBL) near Lemont, Ill., and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Previously he was employed by NBL as Science Administrator, Senior Scientist, and Assistant Director for Operations. Later, as part of the DOE Chicago Operations Office, he oversaw and helped set policy for a number of national research and development laboratories across the country. His work contributed to the safe and effective control of nuclear materials and the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. He also helped the DOE develop and implement programs to encourage the transfer of new technologies to private industry to address national needs in medicine, energy and environment. He was the author of numerous articles, patents, and publications on technical subjects. He was a member of professional organizations including the American Chemical Society, American Nuclear Society, American Institute of Chemists and the Health Physics Society. Charles was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America as National Council Representative and President of the West Suburban Council and on the board of the Des Plaines Valley Council. He has received numerous Scout awards, including the Silver Beaver and District Award of Merit. Charles touched the lives of many people. He was more than a distinguished scientist he was a warm and caring friend and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his keen intellect, his kindness, his commitment to serving others, and his zest for life. He will be sorely missed by the many who loved and admired him. He is survived by his wife Bettina, sons Randolph and Richard, daughter Dianna Francis, stepdaughters Ginger Seery and Sarah Maxwell, stepson Andrew Smith and grandchildren Jessica Pietri, Rachel Pietri, Jenny Pietri, Katherine Maxwell, Nicholas Pietri, Patrick Maxwell, Samuel Seery and Alexandra Seery. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 3 at 2:00 pm at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor may be made to Wellness House, 131 N. County Line Rd., Hinsdale IL 60521. Funeral info 708-352-6500