Joseph Pasini, Iii

JOSEPH PASINI III Joseph Pasini, III, 78, husband of Louise Scott, of Miller Farm Road, Staunton, died peacefully in his home on Friday, January 17, 2014. He had been in declining health. Mr. Pasini was born March 11, 1935, in Sunnyside Hollow, Forward Township, Allegheny County, PA, son of the late Joseph "Red" and Marie Bonnell Pasini. He graduated from Monongahela High School and held a B.S. in petroleum and natural gas engineering from Pennsylvania State University. He worked for the Federal Bureau of Mines (later the US Department of Energy) in Morgantown, WV, for 20 years, and was Research Supervisor for Petroleum, Natural Gas and In Situ Technology Research. In 1975, Mr. Pasini was awarded the Distinguished Lecturer recognition by the Society of Petroleum Engineers for his outstanding contribution to the industry in understanding natural fracture systems in coal, oil and gas reservoirs. During that time he lectured and consulted with petroleum operations worldwide. He held many patents for innovative engineering solutions for energy recovery. His most important work was in laying the groundwork for horizontal drilling in coalbeds and Devonian shale. His work will directly impact the United States and world petroleum recovery operations for the next 50 years. He was recognized in the coal mining industry for inventing life-saving mining techniques and emergency rescue methods. Later he became an independent oil and gas producer and expert consultant to major energy operators. He was also an adjunct instructor in petroleum engineering for West Virginia University in the 1970s. Mr. Pasini was a veteran of the US Air Force and the US Army. He was a 50-year Master Mason of the Joseph W. Summers Lodge #173, AF & AM, Star City, WV. He attended Covenant Presbyterian Church in Staunton, VA, and was an avid supporter of the Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership of Mary Baldwin College. He is survived by his wife Louise; daughter Jessica Elsass and husband Major Jake Elsass (USAF) and their three sons, Joseph, Gideon and Gunnar Elsass, of Huntsville AL; stepdaughter Michelle Lorenze and husband Gregg Lorenze and their four daughters, Stephanie, Natalie, Katie and Chloe Lorenze of Morgantown WV; two brothers, Leo Pasini of Garnet Valley, PA, Brig. Gen. Ralph Pasini (USAF Ret.) and wife Dolores, of Allegheny County, PA, and sister Maria Hunt and husband Lawrence, of Washington, PA. He also leaves six nieces, two nephews, and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, February 8, at 11 am, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Staunton, VA. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Mary Baldwin College, Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership (MBC/VWIL), Office of Institutional Advancement at P. O. Box 1500, Staunton, VA, 24402. Arrangements are being handled by Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.