Pierro, Louis J

Louis J Pierro passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 5, 2023. He was born on September 5, 1931 in Bristol, PA the oldest child of Leonard & Sarah Pierro. Louis received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from St Joseph's University in Philadelphia, then received his Master's Degree in Biology & Zoology from Marquette University in Milwaukee and completed his education at Brown University receiving a PHD in Genetics.

While studying at Marquette, Louis met Theresa Rano and after a courtship they married on June 11, 1955. They had 68 beautiful years of marriage. The adventure continued beyond Brown University to Cal Tech in Pasadena, CA where Louis did his post doctorate year. He then accepted a position as Assistant Professor at Wheeling College in Wheeling, WV. After 2 years at Wheeling College, Louis accepted an Associate Professor's position at the University of Connecticut where he spent the next 38 years. Louis was promoted to Department Head of Animal Genetics in 1964 and was made a tenured full professor. At times, Louis was also acting head of the Biology Department and then became the Director of the Experiment station at UCONN. During that time, Louis worked closely with the Department of Agriculture, National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of Health and served on and led national committees for the Land Grant Universities. His research for Muscular Dystrophy was well noted.

After Lou retired from UCONN he was the project manager for the Bio-technology Center at the University which houses a conference room dedicated to him. Louis was preceded in death by his parents Leonard & Sarah Pierro, his sister, Marie Deratto, brother in law Charles Deratto and his brother, Vincent Pierro.

He is survived by his wife Theresa, his son David and daughter, Ann-marie Russo (Joe) and 6 grandchildren, Christopher, Alexander, & Sarah Pierro (Mccoy Becker) and their mother Karyn Laska Pierro and Alexandra Russo, Michael Russo (Amelia), & Nicholas Russo. In addition, a great grandson, Elliot Brooks Russo blessed Lou & Terry's life in 2021. He is also survived by his younger brother Leonard Pierro (Janet) and numerous nephews and nieces.

Louis was a tremendous husband, father, & grandfather. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Muscular Dystrophy Research or any charity that touches your life.

A memorial service will be scheduled sometime this Spring to celebrate Louis' tremendous life.

For more info and to sign the online guestbook please visit www.cartmelldavis.com

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