Obituary: Jack Colletti

John Paul “Jack” Colletti, 82, of North Strabane, Pa., a well-known marine surveyor, died suddenly August 2.

A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., with a degree in naval architecture and marine engineering, he was commissioned into the Naval Reserves, where he sailed as an engineer, visiting ports worldwide. Later, he worked with the American Bureau of Shipping and Dravo Corporation as an engineer.

In 1970, he established his engineering consulting firm in the Pittsburgh area.

In 1988, he was nominated to the standards committee for the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME). His knowledge made him a sought-after expert witness in cases involving waterborne accidents, including the 1988 Pittsburgh Regatta speedboat accident case.

He worked as a licensed marine surveyor for more than 50 years, later passing on the business to his son.