Former local man retires from government service
A former area man has been honored for his many years of service to the federal government. Joseph J. DiNunno, a graduate of South Union High School (1938) and Penn State University (1942) was presented special distinguished service awards given by the Secretary of Energy, the Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.
DiNunno’s service in the federal government was also recognized by letters of commendation and congratulations from Presidents George Bush, William Clinton and George W. Bush.
The occasion marked the completion by DiNunno of a 60-year career as an engineer, 40 years of which was in government service.
DiNunno’s government service included assignments with the Department of the Navy (Bureau of Ships, Naval Ordnance Laboratory, Naval Reactors Branch), the Department of the Army (Non-Commissioned Officer, Army Ordnance Laboratory), and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC).
After post-graduate engineering studies at the University of Maryland and the Oak Ridge School of Reactor Technology, DiNunno held a number of important assignments in the nuclear field. These included project officer for the first nuclear powered cruiser, Long Beach, a senior member of the regulatory staff of the AEC that ensured through government regulation the safe siting and operation of commercial nuclear reactors, the science representative of the AEC stationed in Paris, France, and the first head of the commission’s Office of Environmental Affairs. In 1972, DiNunno left government service for employment with the NUS Corp., a firm providing environmental and nuclear engineering services.
In recognition of his expertise in practices for ensuring nuclear safety and environmental protection, Presidents George Bush in 1992 and William Clinton in 1995, appointed him to serve as a member of a newly created agency, the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. The board provides safety oversight of the Department of Energy’s weapons establishment. His service continued with the approval of President George W. Bush until his retirement effective June 1.
In recognition of his service to his country, congratulatory comments of Presidents George Bush, William Clinton and George W. Bush include the following:
“Word has reached me that you are retiring from Federal service after a long and illustrious career, and I simply wanted to add my personal congratulations and thanks for a job well done.” Signed by George Bush.
“America’s tradition of hard work has made our country strong, and you can be proud of your contribution to that legacy. From your days with the Department of the Navy and the Atomic Energy Commission to your tenure on the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, you have worked tirelessly for the well being of our nation. Your dedication to the public is an inspiration to others. I am proud to have re-appointed you to your current post, and I thank you for a job well done.” Signed by Bill Clinton.
“Our nation is indebted to the men and women who devote their lives to public service. I know how proud your family, friends and colleagues must be of your accomplishments. Laura joins me in sending best wishes for many years of happiness.” Signed by George W. Bush.
Chairman John Conway, in presenting the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Distinguished Award, cited DiNunno for having “devoted his life work to ensuring the best engineering practices are brought to bear to protect the public, the worker and the environment, and to instilling these concepts in others.”
Last year, Joseph DiNunno and his brother, Benjamin, endowed a scholarship fund at Penn State Fayette in honor of their emigrant parents and in gratitude for the educational opportunities this country provided.
Proceeds from the fund are to be dispersed periodically to some Fayette County student selected by the college as a deserving recipient.
DiNunno currently resides in Annapolis, Md., with his wife Bette.