Note: This obituary was adapted from telegram.com Worcester, Massachusetts.
Richard Alan Alliegro passed away on November 26, 2016. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dick had a long and esteemed career at Norton Company and developed thirteen patents for the company. He retired as Corporate Vice President of the High-Performance Ceramics Division. Dick developed the first military ceramic armor used to protect personnel in helicopters and in ground forces. The armor was and is still used by the U.S. Military. The armor system he invented saved countless lives in the Vietnam War and other conflicts since then. He had overall responsibility for establishing a new igniter manufacturing facility located in Milford, NH. This development was highly valuable for the appliance industry. Dick was also responsible for design and construction of Norton Company’s new advanced research facility in Northborough, MA. Key examples developed through this venture were components for gas turbine engines and wear resistant components for various types of machinery. Dick was an active member of the American Ceramic Society for over 50 years. He achieved ACerS Fellowship in 1971, was an Emeritus member, a member of the Engineering Ceramics Division, and served as Vice President from 1989-1990.
Richard graduated from Malverne High School. He attended Kenyon College in Ohio and earned a Master’s degree in Ceramic Engineering from Alfred University. While in college he was an avid sportsman and played football and lacrosse and earned the prestigious Blue Key for academic achievement.
Dick had a tremendous love of the outdoors, boating, fishing, camping with his family, golfing, and traveling. He loved spending time with his wife and family. He was a Boy Scout leader and was a third degree in the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Alliegro served in the U.S. Navy and attained the rank of Lieutenant.
Richard is survived by his wife Barbara (Harney) Alliegro and his six children (and spouses): Diane Albano (Dennis) Albano, Rick Alliegro, Deborah Hayes, Bob Alliegro (Kellie) Alliegro, James Alliegro and Terri Moretti, and Donna (Andrew) Franklin, and his seven grandchildren, Kathryn Hayes (fiancé Thomas Thompson-Flores), Julianne Albano (fiancé Dr. Nicholas Boschetti), Frank Alliegro, Molly Tuller, Jennifer Hayes, Brendan Tuller, and Emilia Alliegro and the late Michael Albano. He is also survived by his sister Robin (Edward) Cirino, and his brother George Alliegro.