Obituary of Thomas Pelick

Thomas J. Pelick, 79, of State College, died Sunday, June 26, 2011, at Centre Crest Nursing home. Born November 28, 1931, in Vandling, he was the son of the late Michael and Anna Brasso Pelick. On June 15, 1963 he married Dorothy M. Matrisian, who survives. He is survived by two children, Michele A. Pelick, of Zion and Joseph T. Pelick, of State College. Tom Pelick was a graduate of Penn State University, having received an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1958 and a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1961. He was a highly valued member of the Research Faculty at the Applied Research Laboratory, formerly the Ordnance Research Laboratory, for over 33 years, retiring in 1991. During his career, Tom had become one of the country's leading experts in undersea systems utilized by the Navy. His technical expertise spanned a wide range of technology areas dealing with applications of acoustic signal processing and the guidance and control of undersea weapons. Tom's work was very instrumental in the development of the Navy's advanced submarine-launched torpedo and other systems. Tom was assigned to manage and support the test and evaluation of systems for the Navy which often meant that a significant portion of his time was spent at sea on numerous submarines and surface ships. Because of his expertise, he was assigned special roles for the Navy as an independent evaluator of Navy test systems' vulnerabilities. As a part of his work, Tom needed to complete certain assignments at Navy test sites and facilities. So, for periods of time he and his family were called upon to relocate temporarily from State College to test sites near Seattle, Washington; Key West, Florida; Honolulu, Hawaii; and San Diego, California. He carried out these assignments in an exceptional manner. After he retired, Tom continued many of his technical contacts through professional groups such as the National Defense Industrial Association, where he served as an outstanding emissary for ARL and Penn State. Tom started the ARL Retiree's Newsletter in 1993 that reported on current activities and events for retirees and some of the historical activities of the Laboratory. Tom wrote and distributed over 100 of these publications, the latest published this year. He also wrote a "Chronology of Technical Events at ORL/ARL". Tom was currently supporting the preparation of a formal history of ARL with is extensive knowledge and background of the technical and programmatic accomplishments. Throughout his retirement, Tom was very active in organizing various reunions and "get togethers" for people who worked at the ARL. At many of these functions, Tom treated all to his award-winning homemade wines. Although in failing health the past few years, Tom continued to serve as a valuable conduit and friend who has held the ARL extended family together. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Thursday, June 30, 2011 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 1, 2011 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church with the Monsignor David Lockard officiating. Burial will be in Pine Hall Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church at 820 Westerly Parkway State College, PA 16801 or Centre Home Care Hospice at 2437 Commercial Blvd #6 State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com.