In memoriam: Peter J. Avagliano

Peter J. Avagliano, a leader in the steel recycling industry who specialized in ferrous scrap imports, died Oct. 26 at the age of 88 at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Avagliano was a longtime resident of Jersey City, New Jersey.

Born in Maplewood, New Jersey, he moved to Jersey City in 1952. He spent his entire 53-year career at Jersey City-based Schiavone-Bonomo Corp., later Hugo Neu Schnitzer East, and rose from the position of office assistant to executive vice president. He started at Schiavone-Bonomo in 1950 and was promoted to vice president in 1976. He became executive vice president of the company in 1985. At the end of his career, he was the senior advisor to Hugo Neu Schnitzer East. 

According to Avagliano’s obituary, he was a known leader in the steel recycling industry. He was also very active in the Institute of Scrap Iron and Steel, and he was president of the association’s New Jersey chapter from 1977 to 1979 as well as national chair of its foreign trade committee in the late 1970s and early 1980s. 

Avagliano’s career was interrupted in 1953 to serve in the U.S. military. He completed basic training in Louisiana and ended his military service as a sergeant with the 10th Mountain Division infantry unit before returning to work, his obituary reports. He graduated from Seton Hall University in 1961 with a degree in management. 

Avagliano is survived by his wife, Mary; his children John and Joan; his daughter-in-law Marisa and son-in-law Tom Psathas; and his six grandchildren, Kristin, Danielle, Alessia, Peter, James and Giana. Family and friends gathered on Nov. 1 at Riotto Funeral Home & cremation Co. in Jersey City for the funeral. 

In lieu of flowers and in acknowledgment of Avagliano’s lifelong dedication to the recycling industry, the family established the Avagliano Endowment Fund. Contributions may be made in memory of Peter J. Avagliano to the Avagliano Endowment Fund at the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries' (ISRI) Recycling Education and Research Foundation at 1250 H St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005.