A leader in Arizona education, Dr. Peter Pingerelli passed away on Sunday with his wife, Arizona State Representative Beverly Pingerelli, and his daughter Kayla by his side.
Dr. Pingerelli served as a member of the Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) Governing Board, representing District 3. Dr. Pingerelli was reelected to the Board in 2020.
Dr. Pingerelli was an energetic educator who also held instructional adjunct faculty positions at Grand Canyon University. He also had a specialized secondary STEM certificate through the Arizona Department of Education.
“I met Peter when I was on the Peoria Unified School District Governing Board over a transportation issue with his daughters,” said former Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas. “I never dreamed that happenstance meeting would lead to one of the most amazing friendships of my life. Peter’s love of and service to his God, his family and his community are awe-inspiring. Heaven’s gain is our loss. God bless your soul Peter.”
Dr. Pingerelli held a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and received his Ph.D. from the Division of Regulatory Biology and Biophysics at Wayne State University. His work experience included 25-years in the biotechnology industry directing commercial research & development, product management, and marketing.
Dr. Pingerelli’s publications include commercial and academic works in the fields of neuroscience and biotechnology and, recently, essays reflecting upon education, culture, and disability.
An ardent advocate for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, Dr. Pingerelli called them “an essential component of public education to prepare a future workforce and ensure continued prosperity for our country,” which he believed benefitted all students by “providing them with a career exploration experience while cultivating skills towards a family-sustaining job to achieve economic independence.”
Constantin Querard, a political consultant who has worked with both Peter and Beverly Pingerelli, said that “Arizona lost a great man with the passing of Peter Pingerelli. He cared deeply about, and knew a lot, about education, CTE, and a host of other issues. He was also an all-around great guy, with a terrific sense of humor, and a deep love for his family. Prayers with all of them today.”