Dr Gabriel S. Pellathy Ph.D, JD

1933 - 2024

Dr. Gabriel S. Pellathy, PhD, JD, Professor Emeritus, Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Fellow of the McKenna School of Business, Economics and Government at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024, with his wife holding his hand. He was a devoted member of Saint Vincent Parish. As a father he lived out his faith as an example to his seven children. Born on April 28, 1933, in Hungary, he was the only son of Dr. Stephen and Helen Pellathy. In the aftermath of World War II, the Pellathy family left Hungary, and after a brief time in Germany, moved to England to be near extended family. His father was a prominent physician and hospital director in Hungary and emigrated with his wife and daughter to the United States, where he continued his career in medicine and hospital administration. Gabriel remained in England, studying at the Belmont Abbey Benedictine Boarding School, where he was captain of the rugby team, before moving to New York City in 1951. Dr. Pellathy continued his studies in New York, earning his bachelor's degree from Columbia College of Columbia University in 1954, his J.D. with a Specialization in International Law from Cornell University Law School in 1957, where Professor Rudolf Schlesinger served as his mentor. He practiced corporate law in New York City before going on to earn his M.Sc. (Ed.) in Curriculum Studies from Hofstra University in 1965, and his LL.M. in International Law from New York University School of Law in 1966. He met his wife Emoke in Washington, D.C. in 1968 while doing research for his PhD and they wed in 1969. He received his Ph.D. in Political Science from New York University in 1971. Dr. Pellathy, a Fulbright Fellow; a faculty member of the University of Pittsburgh, University of Cincinnati, and the SUNY system, with visiting professorships at the University of Massachusetts and University of Colorado; served as a guest lecturer at many major U.S. colleges and universities. In 1978, Dr. Pellathy accepted a teaching position at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. Dr. Pellathy taught political science and prelaw to thousands of St. Vincent students over the years, and served in numerous roles, including as Department Chair, as well as the President of Faculty Council from 1992-1994. In 1997, he founded the award-winning Mock Trial Team. His lectures in State and Local Government, National Law, Constitutional Law, Environmental Law, and Business Law served as an inspiration to many students pursuing their careers in government service, and with several generations of lawyers in the region grateful for his easy grading and tough coaching for mock trial. Dr. Pellathy has been published in numerous publications over the years and was a member of the American Political Science Association, the National Education Association, the Pennsylvania Political Science Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Slavic Studies, the American Hungarian Educators Association, the Hungarian Cistercians Alumni Association, the Columbia College Alumni Association, the Cornell Law School Alumni Association, the Belmont Abbey School Club, and was an Honorary Alumnus of the Saint Vincent College Alumni Association. In November 2004, he established the Alpha Gamma Beta Chapter of the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society. He is survived by his wife, his seven children and their spouses, 18 grandchildren, his sister and brother-in-law, and a large extended family in the US and Hungary. Family and friends will be received from Noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at the LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 601 Weldon Street, Latrobe. Members of the St. Vincent Rosary Society will recite the Rosary at 11:30 a.m. Sunday in the funeral home, immediately followed by a memorial service with the Knights of Columbus Council No. 940 and Assembly No. 918. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 28, 2024 at St. Vincent Basilica, Latrobe. Interment will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Saint Emma Monastery, 1001 Harvey Avenue, Greensburg, PA 15601 or Carmel of the Assumption, 5206 Center Drive, Latrobe, PA 15650. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com.