He was born on March 30, 1925 in Gallitzin, a small town in western Pennsylvania. His parents were Pietro and Angeladea Di Gennaro, Italian immigrants who arrived through Ellis Island in the early 1900s. He graduated from Gallitzin High School, class of 1942. At age 18 he was drafted into the Marine Corps during WWII and served as a radar operator during the invasion of Kwajalein in the South Pacific.
After his time in the service, he went on to get his bachelors in 1976 and then masters in 1981, both from Cal State Long Beach. With a background in civil engineering, he held prestigious positions at McDonnell Douglas where he worked as a principal engineer for mechanical design and space transportation. During his time with the company, he also worked on the Saturn S4 rocket and played a crucial role in NASAs space program, including work on the Apollo missions to the moon.
For those who knew him, the gentleness of his eyes and warmth of his smile could brighten even the darkest of rooms. He had a brilliant intellect, a generous heart, and a fierce love for his family and friends.
He is survived by his son, Peter Gennaro III; daughter, Candice Norris; and his many grand- and great- grandchildren including: Peter Gennaro IV, Gina Gennaro, Joseph Norris, Adam Norris, Holden Norris, and Wyatt Norris.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tridentsociety.com/location/palm-desert-ca for the GENNARO family.
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