Lisa J. Vecchione, DMD, MDS age 44 of Pittsburgh, PA and her dog Diesel passed away on Aug 7, 2011 at East Ohio Regional Hospital in Martins Ferry, OH due to injuries sustained from an automoblie accident. Lisa was born on Oct. 19, 1966 in Warren, OH the daughter of Thomas P. and Peggy M. (Steele) Vecchione. Lisa received her formal education at John F. Kennedy High School graduating in 1985. She then went to the Rochester Institute of Technology graduating in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in medical illustration; she went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, graduating in 1993 with a bachelor's in chemistry. In 2000, she graduated summa cum laude with a doctor of medical dentistry degree from Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, and followed this with a masters of dental science degree in 2003 from the Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine's Department of Orthodontics. In 2004, following a fellowship in Craniofacial Orthodontics at New York University, she was recruited to the Cleft-Craniofacial Center at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC where she served as the first Director of Orthodontics, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Vecchione's practice focused on providing care for children born with cleft and craniofacial anomalies. Lisa developed from "the ground-up" a fully operational hospital based orthodontic program that includes naso-alveolar molding, pre-surgical orthodontics, ear molding, the surgical treatment planning of hundreds of children with dento-facial deformities, and much more. Dr. Vecchione maintained a freelance career as a medical illustrator, creating computer graphics and illustrations of surgical procedures. She also was a principal or co-principal investigator in several research studies, including the roles of the muscle fiber characteristics in facial morphology. In addition to Lisa's passion for children, her life was full of love for animals, and finding enjoyment in riding horses. Her passion for animals was most evident by her love for Diesel, her Saint Bernard, who died with her. Lisa was a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, International Association of Dental Research and the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. She is survived by her father Thomas P. Vecchione Jr. of Niles, OH, 2 sisters Patti Vecchione of Niles, Dr. Bette & Scott Seibert of Cincinnati, OH, 1 brother Dr. Thomas & Jessica Vecchione III of Burlington, NC, and locally she has 1 aunt : Bette L. Steele of Warren. Cremation has taken place, and Private family services were held in Ohio. A Memorial service has been scheduled for Sunday, October 2, 2011 at Heinz Chapel on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, from 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm. Lisa will be laid to rest with her mother at Lutheran Cemetery in Newton Falls, OH. Efforts are underway to establish the Lisa Vecchione Memorial Lectureship. This annual lectureship will memorialize her commitment and dedication to the patients of the Cleft-Craniofacial Center. In lieu of flowers, gifts to help establish the lectureship can be made to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, http://www.givetochildrens.org/netcommunity/lisavecchionememoriallecturefund or donations can be made in memory of Lisa to Gentle Ben's Giant Breed Rescue, P.O. Box 533, Zelienople, PA 16063, which is a rescue home for Saint Bernard's. Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440. Family and friends may view this obituary online or to send condolences please visit www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com