Larry Bruno Foundation announces 2023 Circle of Achievement inductees
The Larry Bruno Foundation, a nonprofit organization that recognizes the achievements of Beaver Valley community members, will be inducting its 2023 Circle of Achievement Inductees on Saturday, July 29, during a Celebration of Honorees Dinner at the Shadow Lakes Country Club in Aliquippa.
This year’s inductees include:
Patti Bellan-Gillen: Beaver Falls native, artist, and retired Carnegie Mellon University professor whose paintings, prints, and drawings have been the focus of over 50 solo exhibitions in the US and internationally. Active in the Pittsburgh art scene since 1977 as an exhibitor, educator, and mentor, in 1996 Patti was the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts “Pittsburgh Artist of the Year.”
Ed DeRose: one of the best glovemen of his era, was an infielder for the legendary 1952 Beaver Falls American Legion baseball team. Ed has been a big presence in the Beaver Valley over the years, serving many years as a manager in Little League in the Beaver Falls area, as well as a longtime successful businessman. In 1980, he coached the Dutch Club to an undefeated season. He also serves on the board of the Larry Bruno Foundation.
Lance Jeter: former point guard/shooting guard for Donar Groningen in the Dutch Basketball League and two-time winner of the league’s MVP Award. As a member of the Beaver Falls Fighting Tigers, his 45-foot shot at the buzzer of the third overtime lifted Beaver Falls to a 79-78 victory over Aliquippa in the WPIAL Class AA championship game. In 2006 Lance scored 2,243 points and was the Post Gazette Male Athlete of the Year.
Larry Matrazzo: 1966 graduate of Geneva College, and three-sport star who earned 10 varsity letters in the sports of football, basketball, and baseball. Larry’s school record for passing yardage in a game (327) stood for 23 years, and his career passing total of 3,019 yards stood for 14 years. From 1966-77 he served as offensive coordinator for Beaver Falls under Larry Bruno. He then went on to coach the New Brighton Lions football team from 1977-2002.
Ron Sciarro: a 1970 graduate of Beaver Falls High School, where he earned seven varsity letters in football, baseball, and basketball. He accepted a football scholarship to the University of Kentucky and before transferring to Slippery Rock University. Ron was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1973, but decided to continue his education. In 1977, he became an assistant football coach at Riverside High School, leading the team to a WPIAL Championship in 1985.
Foster James McCarl III: a 1965 graduate of Beaver Falls high school, where he was an All-State football player on both offense and defense. After graduating, he accepted a scholarship to play football at the University of Virginia. Jim earned an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Following a 30-year career working for his father’s business, McCarl’s Plumbing and Heating, he became a mechanical contracting strategist and national speaker to help businesses maximize their potential.
Pete Kinkead (1931-2019): a 1953 graduate of Geneva College, where he starred on the basketball team, ranking tenth among Geneva scoring leaders with 1,212 points. In the 1953 NAIA tournament in Kansas City, Pete sank 15 of 15 free throws in the game for an NAIA playoff record. After college, he served as an assistant coach at Beaver Falls High from 1961 to 1963 and as head coach from 1964 to 1966.
Tom Kirkpatrick (1935-2010): largely considered Beaver Falls High’ best-ever pitcher, who in 1952 threw a one-hitter and led the team to their first-ever section championship. Foregoing his senior year, Tom signed with the Detroit Tigers, playing in their minor league system for four years before an injury forced his early retirement.
Bill Livingston (1951-2016): a 1969 graduate of Beaver Falls High School, who in 1974 was hired as one of the original members of Patterson Township’s first full-time police department. His career in law enforcement lasted over 23 years. In 2004, Bill earned his magisterial District Judge Certification and served in that role for 15 years. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for more than 20 years and coached youth and high school for New Brighton.
“This event is widely regarded as one of the top sports banquets of the year,” said Steve Higgins, foundation board member and curator of the Hall of Achievement in Beaver Falls. “This is our twelfth dinner, and we’re so proud of our latest class of inductees. These people truly exemplify the spirit of Beaver Valley and the amazing talents and character of our residents.”
Tickets for the Celebration of Honorees Dinner are $70 and can be purchased on the foundation’s website (www.themagicalcoach.org) or by calling Ed DeRose at 412-298-1430. Cash bar and hors d’oeuvres will be served from 4:45–5:30 PM with dinner following. A maximum of 350 tickets will be available to attend the celebration.
The Larry Bruno Foundation, named for legendary Beaver Falls football coach Larry Bruno (1922-2010), is a nonprofit organization that works to build a culture for Beaver Falls and the surrounding communities by acknowledging and revering those who dedicated their lives to the betterment of their communities. The foundation provides scholarships to help local youth maximize their potential. It also provides knowledge and tools for parents and youth to become successful citizens. In 2011, with the support of Beaver Falls native, Joe Namath, the Hall of Achievement and History Center was established to recognize achievements of Namath and other successful Beaver Falls area athletes.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Larry Bruno Foundation announces 2023 Circle of Achievement inductees
