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WERLINICH JOSEPH STEVAN A humble man with very little to be humble about left this earth on August 14, 2018, just days shy of his 88th birthday, and surrounded by members of his family. Once hale and hearty, with a personality larger than life itself, he succumbed to the effects of several illnesses that had beset him recently. He retained his razor-sharp, insightful mind and dauntless spirit until the last. Joe Werlinich was the loving and beloved soul-mate and spouse, treasured mentor and colleague, hand-fasted partner and best friend of Pat Buchanan Dunkis for twenty-nine years. He is also survived by four children whom he cherished and who were devoted to him, Amy (David) Devenzio of Pine Township; Sheri Benson of Tampa, FL; Joseph (Lori Anastasiou) Werlinich of Fountain Valley, CA; and Kathy (Michael) Latorre of Slippery Rock; and their mother, Sally Whaley Werlinich of Greenville. Joe was the adoring, proud and generous "Papa" of ten accomplished grandchildren, Emily (Matthew) Alloway of Mt. Lebanon; Crystal (Luke) Andrews of Wolf Creek, MT; Benjamin Benson of Chapel Hill, NC; Rachel (Matthew) Goodson of Macon, GA; Keri Werlinich of San Clemente, CA; Ashley Werlinich of Chapel Hill, NC; Lora Devenzio of Pine Township; Courtney Latorre of State College; Rebecca Devenzio of Kent, OH; and Zachary Latorre of Slippery Rock; and two great-grandchildren who were his delight, Ania and Marek Alloway. Another great-grandchild, Baby Boy Andrews, is expected in October. Born during a raging thunderstorm in the town of McKees Rocks on August 31, 1930, Joe was never afraid to create a storm by standing up for what was right. He was the second child and first son of the late Joseph and Marie Mrvos Werlinich. He was the baby brother of the late Melva Werlinich Vujan (the late Alexander); and older brother to Stevan (Carol) of Dayton, MD; and Samuel (Sara) of Siesta Key, FL. Also, left to cherish his memory is a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as a network of hundreds of students for whom he advocated, and colleagues with whom he collaborated during a long and dedicated career as an educator, and many dear friends. Growing up, Joe was an honor student and a gifted athlete in three sports; he started as offensive tackle and middle linebacker for the undefeated 1950 Thiel College Tomcats and was named to the AP's Little All-America Team, and played baseball with the Hearst All-Stars. Proud of his first-generation Serbian heritage, Joe worked in the family business from boyhood where he learned a strong work ethic and the selfless devotion to family that he exhibited lifelong. He credited his deeply spiritual maternal grandmother with teaching him the healing arts that became his exquisite skills for resolving conflicts, and used those skills throughout his life in organizations as a true servant-leader and peacemaker. He brought to every endeavor a brave and mighty heart and a fierce intelligence. Joe believed that leadership is a pilgrimage, and subscribed to a warrior/lover style of leadership, championing the underdog and fighting for those principles he held dear, while establishing supportive, enduring, close relationships with students, colleagues and friends. He was the embodiment of generosity and devoid of envy, malice or petty cynicism. Joe served as a Marine Corps captain and company commander in the First Reconnaissance Company of the Second Marine Division, leading reconnaissance missions during the Korean War, parachuting into enemy territory and being extracted in submarines. Upon his return, Joe was also tasked as a Casualty Officer, visiting Gold Star families to try to bring comfort and solace to parents and siblings who had lost their sons and brothers. It was an experience that remained in his consciousness for the rest of his life and made him passionately opposed to war. Another early experience that marked his life and work was the Civil Rights Movement. He participated in the Pittsburgh marches, marched in Birmingham, AL with Dr. Martin Luther King, and was involved in conflict resolution and diversity training both locally and across the country, sometimes being called upon by the US Justice Department as a mediator and advisor. Joe is best known in the region as a teacher and facilitator for principals, superintendents and other school leaders in groups such as the Principals Leadership Academy which he founded and currently co-directed with his friend and partner Dr. Otto Graf, and the Danforth Foundation's National Principals Initiative. He was especially grateful to the Grable Foundation for supporting his work locally for more than thirty years. Joe served on the faculty of the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh for 47 years, retiring from that role in 2012 at age 82. During his years at Pitt he helped prepare hundreds of school leaders who were his students. Many of them have served or are serving as superintendents and principals in the top achieving schools throughout the area. Joe's advice was highly sought by school districts as they worked to fill leadership vacancies, causing one superintendent to refer to him as a "kingmaker." His recommendation was just as highly coveted by those vying for such positions. In retirement, he continued to advise school districts, serve on dissertation committees for candidates who were long-time protegés, and facilitate the Assistant Superintendents Forum of the Educational Leadership Academy. During his life time Joe received many recognitions and awards. He was proudest of receiving the Grable Foundation's Decade Award in 2002, being named fifth in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's The Top 48 Making a Difference in Education in 2004, and being awarded an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, Thiel College, in 2008. In 2010 for Joe's 80th birthday, he was honored at the Heinz History Center, where a plaque and time capsule commemorate his life and work. Joe will live forever in the legacy of his family, in the memories we have of him, and in the lessons he taught us. He will never be gone from us as long as we continue to say his name. The Werlinich Family wishes to thank members of the Critical Care Team in the CV-ICU at UPMC Passavant McCandless for their compassionate care of Joe these last weeks, and for their kindness to us all. Friends may call at the SCHELLHAAS FRANKLIN PARK FUNERAL HOME, 1600 Stone Mansion Drive, Sewickley, PA 15143 on Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 5 p,m. A Kiva Circle, similar to the ones Joe used at the end of each term for students to reflect on their growth, will be held at 5 p.m., on Sunday. Former students of Joe's who would like to participate are encouraged to come and share their thoughts. Burial will be private. Memorial gifts may be directed to: Development, Manchester Bidwell Corporation, 1815 Metropolitan Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Joe greatly admired the work of Bill Strickland and MBC in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Please offer condolences at, schellhaasfh.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
