Ogliaruso, Michael Anthony

Michael Anthony Ogliaruso, Ph.D., 84, of Blacksburg, Va., passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Lewis Gale Montgomery Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Basila “Babs” Gallo Ogliaruso, and his son, Michael Dana.

Dr. Ogliaruso was educated in New York, graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School, and the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, (now part of New York University), with a B.S. in 1960 and a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1965. His education was interrupted in 1960 by service as a 2nd Lt. in the Corp of Engineers.

After obtaining his Ph.D., Dr. Ogliaruso accepted a postdoctoral position at U.C.L.A. with Prof. Saul Winstein before accepting permanent employment as an Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech in 1967. He was listed in Who’s Who in America and the winner of numerous teaching awards including the prestigious Wine Award.

Dr. Ogliaruso retired as a Full Professor in 1996 and was awarded status as Professor Emeritus. In his career Dr. Ogliaruso coauthored over 50 scientific papers, two books and several book chapters. A true renaissance man, upon retirement Dr. Ogliaruso became an accomplished actor and woodworker.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Oakey’s South Chapel, 4257 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, (540) 989-3131. Visitation will be held from 12 noon to service time. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Vinton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ogliaruso Family Scholarship #860332, in the Chemistry Department at Virginia Tech. These memorials can be sent to Virginia Tech, University Development, Gift Accounting (0336), 902 Prices Fork, Blacksburg, VA 24060, 800-533-1144. Online condolences may be expressed at www.Oakeys.com.

Arrangements by Oakey’s Funeral Service – South Chapel, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131.