Members in Memory

Twila E. Dixon, 66, passed away on 11/10/2023. Twila was an active member of the Association having served as President, Chair of the Trade Show Committee, and member of several other Committees. Twila received her B.S. in Biology from York College and a Master of Science in Chemistry from St. Joseph’s University. Her career took her through many iterations of RMC then moving on the M.J. Reider Associates, where she retired in 2022 as the Technical Director. Twila was also member of The Pennsylvania Association of Accredited Environmental Laboratories (PAAEL), serving 2 1/2 terms as President and served on the Board of Directors for many years as Treasurer. Twila was happiest helping others and will be sorely missed. Twila was preceded in death by her parents and her sister. She is survived by her best friend and companion, Rick Thompson; her brother Bill; and six nieces and nephews and 12 great-nieces and great-nephews.

William (Bill) G. Smith, 80, passed away on 4/13/2023. Bill joined the Association in 1973. Bill's title since 1974 has been the “Shitective”. His unique analytical services have been compared to that of a detective for a water and wastewater treatment. He was survived by his wife of 50 years Rita, daughter Alicia and three grandchildren.

Edward L. Gillette, Jr. 75, passed away on 1/6/2023. Ed joined the Association in 1974 and was the principal engineer at his environmental engineering firm, EEMA, for the past 35 years, at the time of his passing. He was a past president of both the Association and PWEA as well as a mentor to many in our field. Ed was an avid Philly sports fan and traveler; enjoyed the beach, and loved attending his grandchildren’s many activities. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, two daughters, and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Wendy.

Joseph Peter Cacciatore, 78, passed away on 1/6/2023. Joe joined the Association in 1971 and was a past president. He was Vice President and General Manager of Killam Management and Operating Services at the time of his retirement. In his second career, he became a professional pilot, flying business jets all over the country. Joe was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Air Force. He was an avid Philly sports fan, loved spending time on the Chesapeake with has family, and was very involved in the Civil Air Patrol. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, his children and grandchildren, and his brother.

Richard R. Little, 36, passed away on 11/15/2022. Rich joined the Association in 2015 and was a mechanic at the Valley Forge Sewer Authority at the time of his passing. In addition to spending time with his family, Rich enjoyed fishing and camping. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Peter R. Orloski, 71, passed away at home on 10/1/2022. Pete was retired, after spending the majority of his career as Plant Manager at the Downingtown Regional Water Pollution Center. Pete was a Past President of both EPWPCOA and PWEA. Pete was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He was predeceased by his son James and is survived by his wife Deborah and son Dan.

Albert C. Favinger, 87, passed away on 9/10/22. Albert joined the Association in 1986 and was retired at the time of his passing. He was a veteran, having proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Albert is survived by his wife, two daughters, and two grandchildren.

Robert J. Bernauer, Sr., passed away at home on 6/7/2022. Bob was employed by Tinicum Township at the Township’s wastewater treatment facility, most recently as the Superintendent, from 1963 until his retirement in 2017. He then went to work for DELCORA, continuing to oversee the Township’s wastewater system, until his passing. Mr. Bernauer was an Association member since 1966, having received both the 25 year and 50 year service awards, and becoming a life member in 2016. Bob served the fire service of the Township for over 50 years, with 30 years as Chief of the Lester Fire Company. He is survived by his wife Pat, five children, and 8 grandchildren.

Colton J. Shoemaker, 28, of Keyser, West Virginia, passed away from a hunting accident on 4/30/2022. He joined the Association in 2021 as a Preferred Vendor. Colton was employed by Advance Rehabilitation Technology as their Business Development Manager. He was a volunteer firefighter and an avid hunter and fisherman. Colton is survived by his partner, his parents, two brothers, and his grandparents.

Anthony J. Zigment, 96, passed away on 10/15/2021. He was formerly of Manheim Township. He was preceded in death by his wife. He joined the Association in 1975, receiving the Retired from Service Life (RSL) Membership in 1986 and a Life Membership 1995. Tony was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a research scientist at the time of his retirement. He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1958. Tony was also active in his community, having served as the Treasurer for the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority, Lancaster City Councilman, and a Boy Scouts leader. He was preceded in death by his wife and is survived by two sons, two daughters, 18 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.

Edward "Big Ed" Treat, passed away at home on 7/27/2021.  Ed was a pillar of the Association, serving as an officer for nearly 40 years, and was a life member.  Ed mentored many people in our Association and field and his impact is still felt today.  In addition to the EPWPCOA, Ed was also an active member and past officer in the PWEA and various other environmental organizations.  In his working career, Ed was best known as the Borough Manager at Myerstown for 31 years.  He was veteran, having served his country in the U.S. Army, and was a Staff Sergeant at the time of his discharge.  Ed was very active in the fire service and various emergency service organizations in the Reading, Myerstown, and Lebanon area having served in a number of positions at Keystone Hook and Ladder in Myerstown.  He is survived by his wife Millie, daughter Kimberly, his grandson, and two sisters.

David "Dave" Pyrz, 65, passed away on April 18, 2021. Dave, a graduate of Ursinus College with a BA in Economics, was the co-founder of Pyrz Water Supply. Dave, a graduate of Ursinus College with a BA in Economics, was the co-founder of Pyrz Water Supply Inc in 1978, working with his family for 42 years before retiring in December 2020. Dave was a member of the EPWPCOA since 1978. He was the husband of Jeanne (nee Dubell).  He is survived by his mother Ethel; 2 brothers; Joseph and Stephen; 3 sons; William, Robert and Brian and 4 grandchildren.

John D. Reiss,