WARREN, Pa. – A “deeply humbled and honored” Paul Pascuzzi accepted the 2023 Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry’s Community Service Award during Thursday’s annual Celebration of Excellence and Awards Ceremony.
Pascuzzi, who has served on Clarendon Borough Council since the 1980s, in addition to his numerous contributions to advance fire and EMS services in Warren County, his role on the Warren County Council of Governments and more, was introduced by Warren County Commissioner Ben Kafferlin, the man who nominated him.
“His life embodies the essence of community service and leadership,” Kafferlin said. “His life is a testament to the power of acts of dedication and leadership that create a profound impact on our county. I want to extend my appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who have worked alongside me. Community service is a team effort, and they all deserve effort for the positive changes we have achieved.”
For his part, Pascuzzi viewed his honor as a collaborative achievement.
“This represents a personal achievement, but it’s a testament to the power of collective effort and power that a united community can make,” Pascuzzi said. “First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ben Kafferlin for nominating me for this incredible honor. Ben is a great friend.
“Countless individuals have been my source of inspiration and support throughout this journey. My wife Patty and family, thank you for standing by me, encouraging me, and being pillars of strength that allowed me to dedicate my time and energy to community service. Your unwavering support has been my driving force.”
Kafferlin noted that Pascuzzi’s dedication to his community has inspired many, even himself.
“He is a faithful plodder,” Kafferlin said. “He is courageous, while humble and graciously gives his time, talent, and treasure, and he graciously sets the standard for us in my mind. Paul has invested his life in work that is worth doing. He has personally given me hope in the American experiment.”
Pascuzzi called Warren County “a great place to live,” and will continue to push on with the service to the community that has driven him for so many years.
“The work of community service is ongoing,” Pascuzzi said. “There is still much to be done. I am more determined than ever to continue contributing to the well-being and growth of our community.”
Your Daily Local was one of six businesses to receive the Excellence in Business award, including AllImage Graphics, Faded Floral, Ida Mae’s, Rad Lands Co., and Yankee Bush Productions.
In addition to the Excellence in Business, there were four other award categories. Three businesses received the Investment in Community award – Cable Hollow Golf Course, the Community Foundation of Warren County, and the Snell Family Foundation.
The Warren Public Library and Northern Pennsylvania Regional College received the Growth & Expansion award, and the Library was among 10 businesses being recognized for milestones.
The Library is celebrating its 150th year, the Struthers Library Theatre 140 years, the Allegheny National Forest 100 years, the Zonta Club of Warren 95 years, 75 years for the Warren County 4th of July Organization, 55 years for the Warren County Visitors Bureau, EmergyCare 40 years, J. Lauren Designs and Ellwood National Forge 20 years, and 15 years for the Allegheny River Clean-Up.
