Retired MechSE staff member Pete Hetman passed away on Friday, March 3.
Pete was a long-time member of MechSE's technical staff. He joined the department in 1985, working in the Automotive Lab. In 1988, he moved to the Mechanical Engineering Lab Machine Shop staff, where he worked until his retirement in 2009. Everyone that worked with Pete found him to be extremely helpful, creative, and enthusiastic.
"Pete was the kind of person that would literally do anything for you," said Bob Coverdill, who worked with him for more than 20 years. "He often went to great lengths to help students and faculty with their projects, coming in on weekends or staying late if needed. And he did so without a complaint, ever."
After his retirement, Pete worked part time in the Engineering Student Projects Lab (ESPL) and provided excellent oversight of the projects, guiding students with the usage of equipment and training them in their operation. The current success of ESPL may not have been possible without Pete's selfless contributions.
"In lieu of flowers, I would suggest that memorial gifts be made to a student project fund, perhaps the SAE teams," Coverdill said. "Pete was always very supportive of these teams, and it would make him pleased to know his passing continues to provide assistance."
Per Pete's wishes, there will be no visitation services, and his burial will be private.