Dr. Peter E. Siska

I have so many good memories of this man and his warm smile. Dr. Siska was one of the most important teachers and mentors to shape how my brain works. He was my undergraduate advisor and my first research mentor. I had more "a-ha" moments in my 4 years of regular interaction with Pete than in any other time of my life. We maintained connection after Pitt, while I was still in school. I remember thinking always that this man had it figure it out - in science and in life. Thanks to April Weir for sharing her post with me today.

Jeremy Higgins, Ph.D.

I have many great memories of this man. Dr. Siska was one of the most important teachers and mentors that shaped how my brain works. He was my undergraduate Chemistry Dept advisor and my first research mentor. More "a-ha" moments happened in my four years of interacting with Pete than in any other time of my life. I remember thinking always that he had things figured out - in science and in life. Thanks to April Weir for sharing with me.

Jeremy Higgins, Ph.D.

Pete was a great teacher, husband, father and brother.

As my Honors Chemistry professor, Dr. Siska showed himself to be not only a brilliant teacher, but also a kind and thoughtful person, an extremely rare combination. He has left a void that is deeply felt. I offer my deepest sympathies to his family.

Dr. Siska was my professor for Physical Chemistry and he was one of the few professors that I considered to also be a friend. Even after I moved to Madison for graduate school, he kept in touch through email. He was very kind, patient, and highly intelligent. I was always in awe of him during his lectures of physical chemistry. I helped him give a science presentation for high school students during a summer. He was always a delight to work with and I always had something to learn from him. He is surely missed. I give my condolences to his family.

I got to know Peter as a co-worker during his time as a postdoc at the University of Chicago. I'm devastated to learn of his passing, as I've always cherished the dynamic discussions we had and the warmth he shared with all of us.

I first met Peter in 1961 when I married his cousin Mary Lou Zriny. We played cards, basketball and spent time together at the cottage at Bass Lake, Indiana. I attended some basketball games with him at DePaul when he ws a student. We had some good times and he will be missed by all.

Peter was a wonderful scientist and person. He embodied the word "colleague," settung high standards in teaching, mentoring and research. Peter treated everyone with great kindness and respect. He will be greatly missed.

Pete wisely advised me as I began my career as a professor. Scholarship and compassion were his watchwords. I will miss not only his mentorship, but also his giggling laugh and positive views.
Gilbert

Dr. Siska quickly became one of my favorite professors at Pitt after taking his physical chemistry course. It was evident that he was dedicated to his teaching, but he also served as a mentor outside of class. I enjoyed his enthusiasm and his advice on a variety of things, and know that he will be truly missed at Pitt. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet such a genuine person. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Dr. Peter was my brother, and held a special place in my heart for 59 years! I wish he was still here with us, for so many reasons, one of which would be so that we could continue the animated discussions we used to have as children! Maybe on the other side...

I am a friend of Dr. Siska's daughter Sarah, from working with her at Novartis. Sarah always spoke highly of him and loved him and all her family. I mourn with Sarah and her family for the loss of such a loved one.

Dr. Siska was my research advisor during the summer of 2003, for a National Science Foundation REU project. He made an impact on me as a scientist... he taught me to challenge myself to think about tough questions. He was an incredibly supportive mentor and I have appreciated him greatly. This is a tremendous loss.

I had Dr. Siska for both Physical Chemistry 1 and 2 when I was at Pitt. In addition, he wrote letters of recommendation for me to assist me in getting not only my first job but also into graduate school. I owe so much to him that I don't think he ever even knew. How lucky we all are to have had the chance to know and learn from him. What a wonderful person and role model we have lost.

I had Dr. Siska for Honors Chemistry my freshman year at Pitt. There was no better way to start an 8 am Monday class in Chevron than with a bang! Dr. Siska loved his demonstrations. He was by far one of the most passionate, devoted, and brilliant professors I have had the pleasure of learning from. He wasn't a lecturer, he was an educator, a teacher in the truest form. He encouraged his students to question their studies and to discuss topics of interest. He was a gift to the Pitt community and will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy and prayers for his family and friends.

I had the pleasure of having Dr. Siska for Honors Chemistry my freshman year at Pitt. He was a wonderful professor who made the lectures interesting and fun. I know he will be missed by the University community and the many students he taught over the years.

My condolences to the family.