Last month, PAH said a bittersweet farewell to Pat Lanzilotta, associate director for Engineering Services, after 49 years of dedicated service. Lanzilotta, who started his career at only 19 years old, witnessed decades of changes, challenges, and construction, and played an integral role in Pennsy’s continued growth.
At the retirement celebration held in his honor, Jeff O’Neill, AIA, ACHA, CHFM, senior director of Facilities, recalled his earliest days at PAH. “I thought I’d come in and conquer the world. And then I had about a five-minute conversation with Pat. He is the one who helped me understand what it really takes to keep a hospital running efficiently. I don’t think I could have made it this far in my career without him” as a colleague, a friend, and a family member, O’Neill said.
Q: You started at PAH in 1970. What has the journey been like?
A: For context, they even didn’t finish the Preston Building until 1971, so it’s been awhile. I started as a B electrician, then worked my way up to the roles of certified licensed electrician, electrical foreman, and general foreman. I was in charge of keeping all of the utility systems operating normally at all times, and I probably spent more midnights here than any other day-shift employee. I’ll never forget that in 1981, I said during my evaluation that my goal was to one day lead the engineering services team. I made it my duty to do anything necessary to meet that goal, and I was so proud to achieve it in 2010.
Q: Do you have any favorite memories?
A: There have been so many proud moments here. I remember when I was named Employee of the Year in 1992, and when PAH partnered with UPHS in 1997. I remember guiding the ortho softball team to a championship and leading in hitting, pitching, fielding, and ACE bandages because I always came out with an injury.
One especially memorable experience, though, was in 1989. Mr. Cathcart, the president at the time, was very particular about never wanting to see an exterior light out. One day, he told us that the light in the Pine Building cupola had been out the night before. We didn’t have the same tools that we have today, and we didn’t want to put up scaffolding, so they got a rope and tied it around my waist. We climbed to the peak, and then they carefully let me down into the cupola so I could make the repair. That definitely wouldn’t fly today!
Q: What is it about Pennsy that has kept you here?
A: This is my second home. In the 1960s, my family only lived six blocks away, so I’d come visit my dad, and we’d walk around the mechanical rooms. For 30 years, it was a family affair; I worked with my dad and my uncle hand-in-hand, side-by-side. But my team also became my family, and they helped me grow and reach my goals.
I’ve gone to seminars and management classes and learned new skills, and it’s all because senior management has been supportive and because I’ve worked with an excellent bunch of people. Everything we do, we do as a team. I’ll never forget how great PAH has been to me.
Q: What comes next?
A: I gave my heart and soul to Pennsylvania Hospital, and it’s time to rest awhile. My wife is planning to retire in June, and we’re really excited to spend time with our five beautiful grandchildren. I’ve got a great family, and we’re thinking about taking them all to Disney World. We’re planning to stay in New Jersey, but we might travel a bit. And who knows — maybe you’ll see me in a consulting role some time!