Fred Azinger's reputation as a nuclear physicist for Westinghouse Electric Corp. was recognized by governments and corporations doing business with the company in Europe and Asia.
During his 40-year career with Westinghouse, Mr. Azinger was credited with 12 patents and 74 inventions. He published more than 28 papers.
Fred A. Azinger Jr. of Churchill died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008, in his home. He was 76.
"Dad had the reputation of being an astute and intelligent scientist who did a lot of traveling and consulting for Westinghouse, especially in Korea," said his daughter, Laura Rea of Kennedy.
"As kids, we can still remember how our parents entertained visiting Korean executives at our house.
"Even after Dad retired from Westinghouse, he was asked to teach several classes at Pitt on a part-time basis."
Mr. Azinger was known as a fair, smart and loyal individual when it came to not only his family, but also his country, church and his alma mater, Central Catholic High School in Oakland, where he ran track was inducted into the academic hall of fame.
"My father never forgot the years he spent at Central Catholic," said his daughter. "And even today, he would have lunch at least once a month with his former classmates.
"Dad was strict with us when it came to dating. But he was fair," she said. "And as busy as he was, he spent time with us. ... We did a lot of traveling. He also inspired us to receive our education and go into the professions."
Mrs. Rea recalled that her father was always well-dressed, with polished shoes and a neatly ironed pocket handkerchief.
He grew up in Aspinwall, the only child of Fred A. and Gerome Azinger.
In 1950, after his high school graduation, Mr. Azinger entered the University of Pittsburgh, enrolled in the ROTC and joined the Air Force upon graduation in 1954.
In 1956, while serving as an Air Force captain, primarily in Korea, he married Phyllis Singer of McKees Rocks.
"My parents were devout members of St. John Fisher Church in Churchill," Rea said. "Dad was one of members who worked on having the church air-conditioned.
"He also was involved with the church's financial committees, while my mother sang in the choir.
"Dad, himself, was an excellent pianist," his daughter added. "We had a grand piano in our house that he played and entertained our guests."
In addition to his daughter, Mr. Azinger is survived by his children, Karen Azinger and Fred A. Azinger III, both of Oregon, and Michael Azinger of Kennedy; and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife in 1988.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at Jobe Funeral Home Inc., corner of Shaw and Triboro avenues, Turtle Creek.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. John Fisher Church, Churchill.
Interment with military honors will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills.
