Diane Casile-Gross is all about Blawnox.
The “first lady” of Blawnox is married to longtime public servant Mayor Anthony Gross, but to most she’s simply a friendly, tireless volunteer involved in a flurry of ongoing programs and events to make the borough shine.
Casile-Gross grew up in Aspinwall but has called Blawnox home for 33 years.
Hoping to promote Blawnox to the best of her ability, Casile-Gross launched The Best of Blawnox in January 2021, a nonprofit dedicated to helping folks appreciate and celebrate the Blawnox community and do good deeds.
The group’s first project was implementing a Snow Angels program for residents unable to do heavy lifting, enlisting volunteers to help remove snow from their sidewalks or walkways.
“To live, work and enjoy here,” said Casile-Gross, 66, and a 1977 graduate of Fox Chapel Area High School. “It’s about bringing our community together.”
Ann Petrus of Middlesex owns property in Blawnox and grew up hanging out in her mother’s former Blawnox business, A Child’s Heart, which closed in the early 2000s.
Petrus, who volunteers with Casile-Gross, praised her enthusiasm and stamina.
“I don’t know where her energy comes from,” Petrus said. “The town has so much potential and so many wonderful people in it. This arm (Best of Blawnox) in the town is a way to give an avenue to some of those projects to come to fruition.”
Petrus pointed out two murals that were installed thanks to The Best of Blawnox — one at the corner of Freeport Road and Maple Street and one in Blawnox Community Park.
Another initiative is the community garden, where planting will commence soon.
“The community garden at the park has been really great for keeping the community together and has been well received,” Petrus said.
Kathy Ulanowicz has been friends with Casile-Gross since they were youngsters.
Ulanowicz retired as Blawnox borough manager in December and said Casile-Gross has a valuable volunteer skillset.
“Diane worked closely with us planning events for the community. She is very committed to the community,” Ulanowicz said. “She can organize and follow through. She’s very good at getting an idea and getting the resources to make it happen.”
The Best of Blawnox has four volunteer board members and about six to eight core volunteers.
Past events have included a fall festival, cookie tours, National Night Out, Spring Art Fling, Night of Lights in December and an Adopt a Block program.
Casile-Gross also volunteers in a supporting role with Blawnox-Glenover Volunteer Fire Company Station 111.
“She doesn’t like to take any credit, but Diane is amazing,” Ulanowicz said.
Casile-Gross’ late grandfather immigrated from Italy to Pittsburgh and remained in the area. Family and community service remains at the core of Casile-Gross’ hectic schedule. She has a degree in legal studies from the University of Pittsburgh, where she retired from after a career working in the education department’s research lab. She currently works full time in the Fox Chapel Area School District.
Casile-Gross is quick to pile on the praise for her fellow volunteers.
“They’re the heroes of this group,” she said.
But her friends deflect the positive praise right back on Casile-Gross.
“She’s very kind and she was born and raised by families that taught their family that public service and serving your community is important,” said Katie Specht-Coban, a Blawnox councilwoman for almost 25 years.
Specht-Coban, who has lived in Blawnox for 58 years, described Casile-Gross as a tireless advocate for the community of Blawnox.
“I’m very proud of her. Diane is a workhorse, and she values her community. You should know your people. That’s what The Best of Blawnox is about,” Specht-Coban said. “Diane has a very keen eye for development and what the people like.”
The Grosses have five adult children, 11 grandchildren and a great grandchild.
Staying active every day is a huge part of Casile-Gross’ lifestyle.
She teaches water aerobics and partakes in various fitness pursuits.
“Fitness is my thing. I walk, go to the gym and play pickleball and tennis,” she said.
Anyone interested in learning more or volunteering with the fire department or The Best of Blawnox can email thebestofblawnox@gmail.com or call 412-327-5607.