Obituary: James Richard DiStefano

James Richard DiStefano, age 78, of Oak Ridge, passed away on Dec. 30, 2013.

Known as Jim to his many friends, he was born on Oct. 27, 1935, in Alexandria, La. He graduated from Menard High School and continued on to receive a bachelor of science degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Notre Dame.

While working at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, he completed his master’s degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Tennessee. The thesis he submitted to UT described experimental work at ORNL on the corrosion of refractory metals by lithium.

He played a leading role in the development of a modified 9Cr-1Mo steel for use in liquid metal reactors that was subsequently qualified for other high-temperature energy applications (boilers and piping) and remains one of ORNL’s technology transfer success stories. He had a distinguished 42-year career at ORNL in the Metals and Ceramics Division, including leading the Corrosion Science and Technology Group for a number of years.

He had a number of major publications and worked with materials for both nuclear- and fusion-based applications, materials for advanced space based reactors, and studies related to the materials and technology required for the Spallation Neutron Source.

Jim was married to his high school sweetheart, Shirley Williams, on Oct. 5, 1957, and they just recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Their marriage was a source of inspiration to their family and an example for all.

He was an avid tennis player, being ranked both in the state of Tennessee and the southeastern region for many years. Jim was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, most recently serving as chairman of the Parish Council, serving as reader and eucharistic minister. St. Mary’s parishioners were used to seeing his smiling face around the church and at Mass, many times followed up with breakfast at Panera with friends.

An avid fan of all Notre Dame sports (family and friends might even say he was crazed), he was routinely found watching a game, and possibly helping the coaches know what they should do, and of course helping the officials make the proper calls. He was a devout Catholic and shared his strong faith with family and friends, as well as strangers. He had a very strong sense of family and was a loyal friend to many, including the many tennis friends he spent countless hours with. Known for his sincerity and compassion, he was always doing for and thinking of others.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Blase and Lena DiStefano; his sister, Mary Carlino; and brothers, Sam and Vincent DiStefano.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley DiStefano; son and daughter-in-law, David and Susan DiStefano; son and daughter-in-law Mike and Judy DiStefano; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Steve Floyd; and seven loving grandchildren, Sarah, Victoria, and Blaise DiStefano, Laura (and Andrew) Brittingham and Mark DiStefano, and Elizabeth and Rachel Floyd.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 327 Vermont Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2014, at Weatherford Mortuary in Oak Ridge, followed by a Rosary at 8 p.m. officiated by Father Michael Woods. Father Bede Aboh officiated the funeral service, which was held at 10 a.m. on Jan. 3, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church followed by interment service at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. Immediately following was a reception at the St. Mary’s Columbus Hall.

An online guest book may be signed at weatherfordmortuary.com.