Remembering Anthony M. DiGioia Jr. (1934-2023)
Anthony M. (Tony) DiGioia Jr., (BS ‘56, MS ‘57, PhD ‘60), an esteemed alumnus, adjunct professor, and revered civil engineer, passed away, leaving a profound legacy in the field. Born in 1934 in Pittsburgh, his journey from humble beginnings above his father's tailor shop to global engineering eminence epitomized the American dream.
His academic career at Carnegie Institute of Technology (now CMU) was transformative. Influenced significantly by Dr. Elio D'Appolonia, he earned bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees in civil engineering. DiGioia's association with the department endured throughout his career. From teaching geotechnical and structural engineering courses to advisory roles and council memberships, his commitment remained steadfast, helping shape the department's trajectory.
After beginning his career with Dr. D’Appolonia’s consulting firm, in 1965 DiGioia co-founded General Analytics Inc. (later GAI Consultants) with his undergrad classmate Richard (Dick) Gray. His leadership as President propelled the firm, offering consultancy across diverse sectors with unparalleled expertise in geotechnical engineering for power transmission lines. After retiring from GAI, in 2004, he again joined with his long-time friend and colleague Dick Gray to found DiGioia Gray & Associates. DiGioia’s pioneering approach was evident in research he conducted throughout his career, including work in the recent decades on transmission line resilience and the impact of climate change, showcasing his visionary outlook.
Beyond entrepreneurial feats, his allegiance to academia and Carnegie Mellon persisted. His active involvement, regular attendance at events, and financial support underscored his dedication. Together with DiGioia Gray & Associates, the DiGioia family established the Anthony M. DiGioia Jr. and Richard E. Gray Engineering Scholarship Fund, honoring their commitment to nurturing future engineering talents.
Among the numerous honors during his career, DiGioia was named an ASCE Distinguished Member honor in 1999, Civil Engineer of the Year Award from ASCE Pittsburgh Section in 1980, and awarded the Engineers Society of Western Pennsylvania's Metcalf Award in 1998.
DiGioia's legacy extends beyond professional accolades. His emphasis on family, faith, and community involvement defines his enduring impact. His passing marks the end of an era in civil engineering, yet his inspiration will resonate for generations, leaving an irreplaceable void while illuminating paths for aspiring engineers.