Obituary

Almerig M. Tunno, 93, of Chippewa Township, formerly of College Hill, Beaver Falls where he was born and raised, departed from this life on Earth to be with his deceased loved ones on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

He was born January 12, 1930, at home on College Hill, to Malfred and Mary E. (Chiappetta) Tunno.  He was an exceptional individual who could do a multitude of things to near perfection.  He would describe himself as a “Jack-of-all-trades, Master of none”.  Almerig was a very patient and talented individual.

In his early teens, during World War II, Almerig learned the art of shoe repair, and helped his father in his shoe repair shop on College Hill for several years.  He graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1947 and attended Geneva College for two years.  He transferred to Carnegie Institute of Technology (Now Carnegie Mellon University) graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.  While at Carnegie Tech, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served his country, honorably, for two years during the Korean Conflict.  After he was discharged, he was able to complete his studies at Carnegie Tech.  Soon after, he was employed as a student engineer in the Engineering Development Department at the former Babcock and Wilcox Co., Tubular Products Division in Beaver Falls.  His employment there continued until he was forced to retire from his position as the General Supervisor of the B&W Special Metals Plant in Koppel.

He overcame obstacles by taking things as they came.  He was very sensitive and placed a high value on love.  That high value was why he was blessed when he met the love of his life, Evelyn Rapso.  He always said he never knew what love was until he met Evie.  They both appreciated the music of their time by dancing and Evie teaching him how to jitterbug.

Almerig became a member of the former Trinity Episcopal Church in Beaver where he ushered almost every Sunday for more than 20 years.  He also served on the Church Vestry for three years.  He was a member of Seven Oaks Country Club since its inception, Ellwood City Sons of Italy Lodge #608, along with the Beaver Falls American Legion.

He was an avid Steelers fan (win or lose) as well as a NASCAR fan. He enjoyed cooking, good music, dancing, golfing and bowling.  He designed and built his own split-entry home in 1963, where he contracted to have the shell built.  While the shell was being built, he completed the interior, installing all the wiring, plumbing, and hot water baseboard heating system.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Rapso Tunno; a sister, Clorinda Cleaver; a brother, Julian Tunno; a sister, Gena Zolla; a brother-in-law, Joe Zolla; and a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Tunno.

Almerig is survived by three daughters and a son-in-law, Tami-Ann Tunno, Teri-Lyn Tunno, and Tawni-Marie and Alec Fleck, along with a treasured grandson, Alexei Fleck.  He is also survived by a dear brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Roderick and Erna Tunno, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He will be greatly missed.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, October 25^th from 3PM-8PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

A Chapel Service will be held at the Beaver Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel on Thursday at 11AM. V. Rev. William J. Evansky, Archpriest, will serve as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Almerig’s name to a charity of your choice.