Donora mayor, 93, decides to retire
In the small town known as the City of Champions, Donora is losing a public servant one colleague described as “a real champion.”
John Lignelli, 93, who recently won his sixth term as mayor, has decided to retire.
Council President Dr. Karen Polkabla said Solicitor Ray Amatangelo received a letter from Lignelli and read it at the council meeting Thursday.
“He is not resigning,” Polkabla said. “He is retiring. He said that he felt it was in the borough's best interests that he retire.”
Lignelli has been receiving medical treatment at a Carroll Township facility.
“I can't think of another person anywhere that has done as much for their community as he has for Donora,” Polkabla said. “He did everything and had so many years of public service.”
Donora has long been known as the childhood home of baseball stars Stan Musial and Ken Griffey Sr.
In Polkabla's mind, the diminutive Lignelli also is a star.
“He really is a Donora champion,” Polklabla said. “He fought for Donora and always had the best interest in his heart.”
Councilwoman Marie Trozzo said she spent some time with Lignelli on Thursday.
“I'm devastated,” Trozzo said of Lignelli's decision. “I know in my heart that no mayor will ever love this town like he does. No one will ever be more dedicated. He lived for Donora. He simply lived for the town.
“He did the most menial tasks for anyone that asked. He knew everyone that he needed to know and did everything he needed to do, and more.”
Trozzo admitted she and Lignelli had their share of battles while serving the borough.
“He is so passionate, and so am I,” Trozzo said. “But we have a great mutual respect for one another.”
Borough council has 30 days to appoint a new mayor, which is expected at a special meeting Oct. 2 prior to the regularly scheduled work session.
“It will just be a brief special session,” Polkabla said. “For sure, though, we're going to miss him tremendously.”
Jeremy Sellew is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at jsellew@tribweb.com or 724-684-2667.
