Tarentum band shell dedicated as 'Mayor Carl Magnetta Jr. Memorial Amphitheater'
The formerly nameless band shell at Tarentum’s Riverview Memorial Park is now known as the Mayor Carl Magnetta Jr. Memorial Amphitheater, Mayor Eric Carter announced Sunday during festivities held in honor of the borough’s late mayor.
Magnetta, 79, died July 1. A Tarentum native, he had been in public office in the borough for 30 years, first on council beginning in 1964 and later as mayor, most recently from 2009 to the end of 2017.
A large crowd turned out to the park Sunday for the four-hour celebration in Magnetta’s memory , scheduled to run from noon to 4 p.m . It included music, food trucks, a bounce house, and a petting zoo.
A Summit Hose fire truck was parked on First Avenue across from the band shell; Magnetta had been a firefighter with the department and a member for 60 years.
Noting Magnetta’s work to improve Tarentum and keep it safe, Carter said the day was about the family Magnetta left behind and celebrating with them.
Carter and borough Council President Erika Josefoski presented gifts to Magnetta’s widow, Barb Magnetta. She recognized many family and friends in attendance, some who came from great distances.
“Thank you all for coming,” she said. “I know Carl would be thrilled.”
Borough Manager Michael Nestico said the amphitheater will be repaired and renovated in the spring as part of an improvement project at Riverview Memorial Park.
Work on the amphitheater will include a new facade and other aesthetic improvements and lighting, audio and electrical upgrades.
Carrie Fox, Magnetta’s daughter and a borough council member, said her father didn’t want any fuss when he died.
“His love for this town never changed,” she said. “His ideas for Tarentum were endless. He always believed we could be better than we were the day before.”
Fox described her father was confident, strong and honorable. “He always stood up for what he felt was right.”
“Every day I look around this town,” she said, “he is here.”
Brian Rittmeyer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Brian at 724-226-4701, brittmeyer@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BCRittmeyer.
