April 18, 2024 - Word recently reached CoalZoom.com that on February 15, 2024, after 85 and a half amazing years, Robert Guy "Bob" Peluso passed away peacefully with his family by his side.

Bob was renowned in the mining industry for his expertise regarding mine safety and played an important role in that arena whether it be for Dust Monitoring, Toxic Exposure for Uranium Miners, Mine Fires, Mine Rescue or accident investigations. He received a Mining Engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1961.  This was followed by a master’s degree in Industrial Hygiene also from Pitt.

Bob Peluso

Bob began working with the US Bureau of Mines in 1961. The USBM later became the Mine Health & Safety Administration (MSHA) and at MSHA Bob was Chief of Pittsburgh Health Technology Center. His world travels for mine safety included being sent to Mexico City in 1985 by the US Secretary of Labor to aid in the rescue and recovery of survivors following the devasting earthquake.

Over the years he received many acclamations and awards including the Pittsburgh Coal Mining Institute of America (PCMIA) President’s Service Award and the Donald S. Kingery Memorial Award which is based on the recipient’s overall career impact on Mine Safety and Health. He was a lifetime Member of the National Mine Rescue Association.

Bob retired from MSHA after 36 years in 1997 and continued to work in the mining industry on a consulting basis sharing his expertise with many companies including Draeger North America. 

Bob was a scholar, scientist, rescuer, inventor, world traveler, conversationalist, storyteller, Pitt Panther fan, winemaker, jokester, leader, and listener. He was non-judgmental and endlessly supportive. Impeccable with his word and generous with his time. A brilliant mind and a fierce heart. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.