Jeannette couple enjoys retirement after a life of public work

Paruco Park has been home to Carmen and Paula Peddicone for more than 20 years.

The couple was involved in government and politics over the lifetime of their careers, but they are now enjoying retirement.

Since retiring from Westmoreland County, where she served as director of the election bureau, Paula Peddicone worked part time at Seton Hill University.

“I taught piano in their community music program for children and adults that wanted to learn various instruments or vocal and dance. It is not an accredited program. I really enjoyed doing it. I've been playing the piano since I was 5 years old,” said Peddicone.

Both Peddicones enjoy golfing and are members of the Hannastown Golf Club.

“I golf with a group of women. I've been playing 12 or 13 years. I'm not good, but I'm working on it.

“Maybe by the time I'm 70, I'll have it down,” said Paula Peddicone.

“I've been golfing more seriously the past 12 years. Before that it was just a nine-hole league every week,” said Carmen Peddicone.

He is retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

“I was in district administration for 34 years,” said Carmen Peddicone.

He also served two terms as the Westmoreland County controller from 2004-12, and was on City Council in 2001.

“I think I'm retired. I have no more political aspirations. I like to keep my finger on the pulse of politics, but I don't want to run. I'm on a political action committee. I keep active with that and I help local Democratic party candidates,” said Carmen Peddicone.

The couple also likes to travel.

“We enjoy traveling and vacationing. We made a trip to Italy after I retired.

“We really enjoyed it. We went to Venice, Florence, Milan, Rome and Tuscany. We went to cooking school in different towns and did some cooking in Florence and Tuscany,” said Paula Peddicone.

“I liked Venice. It was one of my favorite places. It was mysterious,” said Carmen Peddicone.

In the winter, the couple likes to spend some time in Florida.

Carmen Peddicone is a veteran and a member of the American Legion. He enjoys playing cards with his friends.

“We play with friends at different houses. It is just a friendly game,” said Carmen Peddicone.

The couple belongs to Ascension Church, where Paula Peddicone is a member of the pastoral council and they both help out with the summer Italian Festival.

To learn more about golf, travel or enjoying retirement, get to know neighbors Carmen and Paula Peddicone.

Editor's note: Meet Your Neighbors is a recurring feature in The Jeannette Spirit. If you know of a neighbor with an interesting life story to tell, someone who deserves some recognition for volunteer work, a resident with a special talent or an avid collector who would like to be featured, call the Spirit at 724-838-5154 or send an email to klinden@tribweb.com.

Margie Stanislaw is a contributing writer.