George J. Bohm

George Jacques BÃ¶hm passed away on the evening of July 13, 2015 at the age of 89 surrounded by family. George Jacques BÃ¶hm (affectionately known as Coco) was born on August 15, 1925 in Mendoza, Argentina. He was the son of a prominent female dentist in Argentina, Dr. Agustina and Kurt BÃ¶hm. George moved to the capital, Buenos Aires, at the age of 15, to attend the University of Buenos Aires for his studies. After graduating with a degree in civil engineering, he taught at the university and worked for an Italian engineering firm, even learning Italian for the position. While living in Buenos Aires, George met his wife Delia E. Lagar through mutual friends. She later received her PhD becoming one of the first female professors at Washington and Jefferson College, where she taught Spanish literature. Searching for better opportunities for his family, George moved to Pittsburgh, PA in 1962 to work with Westinghouse as an engineer in the Nuclear Reactor Division. His specialty was vibrational dynamics and the civil engineering designs necessary for safe containment of nuclear vessels; this included California sites near earthquake fault lines. His published research even caught the attention of the US navy who, in the middle of a "cold war," were anxious to apply his discoveries for the detection of enemy submarines. George's contributions included the invention of methods for assessment of a nuclear reactor's core. Beyond his technical contributions, due to his language and people skills George went on to represent the company in Asia, Europe and Latin-America as it competed to close new reactor deals. George's experience and acute analytical capabilities eventually earned him a position on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including participation in some of its "Blue Ribbon" panels. Together with Delia, they raised four children at their Churchill home, where they frequently hosted famous authors and poets, including some who were visiting professors at the University of Pittsburgh. This personality extended to the BÃ¶hm Family's tradition of fostering close and rich relationships with relatives and friends world wide, to include Argentina, Italy, Austria and Mexico. After 30 years with Westinghouse, George retired in 1995 and dedicated his life to his grandchildren and other relatives. Whether it was math, chemistry, physics, or even Spanish literature, he greatly enjoyed tutoring them. He also loved front row seats at every single school performance of theirs and engaging in stimulating debate at the dinner table. George remained engaged and relevant up until the very end. He was the patriarch of a close-knit family and highly esteemed by a wide community due to his charismatic, outgoing, nature and trademark wit. It can be said without exaggeration that most people who met George became admirers. He was truly one of the few people gifted with both right and left-brain ability, serving as an inspiration to all. George is survived by sisters and brothers: Ketty BÃ¶hm de Saurina, Dr. Carlos BÃ¶hm, Liliana Bajuk, Marta Flora BÃ¶hm de Cervini, cousins and many nieces, and nephews. His four children: the Honorable Carlota BÃ¶hm, Dr. Marcela BÃ¶hm-VÃ©lez, son-in-law Dr. Rafael I. VÃ©lez, Dr. Guillermo BÃ¶hm, and Lizzi BÃ¶hm. By nine grandchildren: Dr. Nicole VÃ©lez, grandson-in-law Alec Templeton, Carolina VÃ©lez, Andres VÃ©lez, Alexandra Zottola, Cristina Zottola, John-Mario Letteri IV, Natalia BÃ¶hm, Marco BÃ¶hm and Julia BÃ¶hm. And by one great-grand child: Oliver Templeton. A private memorial service for the family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been established at Washington and Jefferson College in honor of Dr. Delia and George BÃ¶hm contributions to the Dr. Delia and George BÃ¶hm Scholarship Fund should be directed to the Advancement Office, Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, PA. 15301.

George J. Bohm

August 15, 1925 - July 13, 2015