Richard S. Connolly invented new methods for rolling steel and designed and installed steel windmills all over the world. He passed away after a long illness on Feb. 16, 1996 at the age of 72.
Richard graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology (now CMU) with a degree in mechanical engineering, and went on to serve as an officer on a sub chaser during World War II. After the war, he designed tug boats for Dravo Corp. He went on to work for Blaw-Knox Corp. designing concrete forms for making bridges.
In 1963, in his late thirties, he began working for his cousin George Tippins and Tippins Inc., a once prominent rolling mill manufacturer and repair company based in Etna. The steel industry was just beginning its shift to utilizing smaller mills at the time, a niche that suited Tippins. Richard invented new methods of rolling high-quality steel for which he was awarded several U.S. and foreign patents.
Richard was married to Jean Holcombe Connolly and they lived in Fox Chapel until his death. Richard loved animals and chose to leave a part of his estate to Animals Friends as well as The Pittsburgh Foundation.
Type of Fund
- Unrestricted