Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
PITTSBURGH — Gerard Massaro, a Pittsburgh police psychologist, had the reputation of being a straight shooter when counseling or briefing a police officer.
“My father was there for them if they were experiencing concerns following a shooting or an altercation, problems at home or with other police officers,” said Kristen Kress of Fombell in Butler County. “The police officers admired him because he never blew smoke, but told them how it was.”
Gerard N. Massaro of Cranberry, a member of the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, died of cancer Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, in his home. He was 67.
“I can remember one police officer saying that ‘Doc,’ as Dad was known, made him feel important and that Dad never looked down at anyone,” Kress said.
Born Sept. 14, 1942, Mr. Massaro grew up in East Liberty as one of three sons in the family of stonemason Joseph and Mary Insogna Massaro.
In 1960, after graduating from Central Catholic High School in Oakland, where he played football, Mr. Massaro enrolled at Thiel College in Mercer County.
“Dad lettered in football for the four years he spent at Thiel,” Kress added. “During his sophomore year at Thiel, he was honored by being named to the President’s Athletic Conference.”
Upon receiving his undergraduate degree in psychology in 1964, Mr. Massaro became a juvenile probation officer in Beaver County, while continuing graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh.
While working in Beaver County, he met Linda Genovese, who was a court reporter for Common Pleas Court. They married in 1968.
In ensuing years, Mr. Massaro, upon receiving his master’s and doctorate degrees in psychology, opened a private practice in Downtown Pittsburgh. He advised several other police departments, such as Mt. Lebanon and Cranberry.
Kress recalled her father was willing to let his children make mistakes.
“Dad encouraged my brother Scott and me to decide for ourselves on what was right for us and to go with it,” she said.
In addition to his wife and daughter, Mr. Massaro is survived by his son Scott Massaro of Mars; two grandchildren; and brothers Eugene Massaro of Monroeville and Joseph Massaro of Shadyside.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry, 2678 Rochester Road.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Kilian Church, Mars.
Copyright 2009 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review