Robert Aiello

Robert J. Aiello (September 24, 1937 – November 28, 2018) was an American author, mentalist, and public relations executive. He worked as a public relations executive at Ketchum, MacLeod & Grove, where he became associate director of its Pittsburgh branch and an executive vice president.

After retiring from Ketchum in 1986, Aiello wrote three novels: The Deceivers (1999), Shadow in the Mirror (2001), and The Desperate Hours (2005). The books are about the fictional mentalist Grant Montgomery who assists police in their investigations. Aiello performed as a mentalist at libraries and social clubs.

Early life and career Robert J. Aiello was born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, on September 24, 1937, to James V. and Christine (née Knott) Aiello. His father taught him skeet shooting in his youth. In 1960, he received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Duquesne University. After graduation, he worked at Goodwill Industries, the Wilkinsburg Gazette, and a small public relations firm. In 1969, he joined Ketchum, MacLeod & Grove's public relations division, working as an assistant account executive. He was a mentalist who performed at libraries and social clubs.

After retiring from his business career, Aiello began working on a mystery novel. He wrote three novels: The Deceivers, Shadow in the Mirror, and The Desperate Hours. The main character was Grant Montgomery, a mentalist who aids the police in their investigations. Library Journals Rex E. Klett penned a negative review, stating, "The basic premise of this first novel works fine, but Aiello wields a heavy hand, throws in unnecessary filler, and waffles with unwarranted explanation."

The next book in the series is Shadow in the Mirror. Regis Behe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review called it a "solid" book with a "compelling" plot.

Personal life Around 1983, Robert Aiello married Mary Beth Aiello, who was a health care group's president when he encountered her for the first time. The couple did not have children. He owned several Golden Retrievers which he assisted in coaching to be certified as therapy dogs. He visited hospitals with the dogs to offer support to the patients. Aiello wrote several op-eds and letters to the editor that were published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

After a short illness, Aiello died at UPMC Mercy on November 28, 2018, at 81 years old. At the time of his death, he was a resident of Whitehall in Allegheny County.