Phillip D. Pulsinelli, PhD

Phillip D. Pulsinelli, PhD, of Export, PA passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, at the age of 82.

An accomplished educator, researcher, scientist, athlete, and musician, Dr. Pulsinelli was a devoted husband, father, and brother, as well as a respected member of the academic and scientific communities.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jean (née Willis); his daughter, Lisa Vote (Steven); his son, Max (Ilana); and his beloved grandsons, Jonah, Garrison, and Daniel. He is also survived by his siblings, John, Richard, Alida, and Alan.

A graduate of McKeesport High School, Phillip played football for the Tigers and was a gifted clarinetist. He earned both academic and athletic scholarships to the University of Pittsburgh, where he began a lifelong association with the institution.

Dr. Pulsinelli joined the University of Pittsburgh faculty in 1973, serving as an assistant professor of medicinal chemistry and adjunct assistant professor of crystallography. His pioneering research on hemoglobin included work at the renowned Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England, where he collaborated with Nobel Laureate Max Perutz.

At the School of Pharmacy, he taught students from undergraduate through graduate and professional levels, including those in the Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine. He coordinated and lectured in a wide range of courses in biochemistry and medicinal chemistry and helped develop and present advanced coursework in X-ray crystallography, diffraction physics, biophysics, and drug-receptor interactions. In recognition of his excellence in teaching, he was named Hygeia Teacher of the Year by the Class of 1982.

Dr. Pulsinelli also served on the School of Pharmacy’s academic performance and review committee, the University’s tenure appeals panel, and its academic integrity board. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Board for four years and participated in numerous international symposia and workshops on protein crystallography and hemoglobin structure and function.

Even in retirement, he remained dedicated to science, pursuing studies in mathematical and theoretical physics.

A memorial will be held at All Access Church in Claridge, PA on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Phillip’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com.

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