BEAVERDALE - Family and friends will honor the late Joseph Zanella by finishing a veterans memorial project the former Mount Carmel Township supervisor began years ago.
A bronze plaque will be affixed to a brick structure already in place at the Beaverdale Fire Co., near the Mount Carmel Area Elementary School.
Zanella never served in the military himself, but had a deep respect for veterans and active duty personnel, said his brother-in-law, David Skocik, a Vietnam veteran and retired military. Zanella's father and other relatives served, and he intended for the memorial to honor their memory and that of other local veterans.
The project started eight years ago. Money was tight within the fire company, according to current Chief Bill Ahrensfield. Three years later, Zanella was diagnosed with cancer. Treatments taxed his energy and limited his commitments. He died March 20.
"I told him I was going to finish it one way or another," said his widow, Sheila, while standing near the memorial Saturday.
About $2,500 has been raised so far. Another $5,000 is sought. Funds will be used to purchase the plaque, already on order, and be used towards lighting, landscaping and cleaning pavers already in place. A portion of the funds will be kept for upkeep.
The plaque is to read: "In tribute to all generations of area veterans in all conflicts who have served our great nation with honor, commitment and pride." It will include etchings of the five service symbols and a bible verse, Isaiah 6:8, "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me.'"
A public dedication is planned for 10 a.m. July 4 at the fire company.
Contributions can be made to the Veterans Memorial Fund at UNB Bank, Mount Carmel, c/o Sheila Zanella, 844 W. Fifth St., Mount Carmel, PA 17851.
Fire company members and members of Cedar Lodge 378 Free and Accepted Masons, Mount Carmel, are assisting. Skocik is appealing to the public, especially local veterans organizations, to help, too.
"We wanted to get this done for Joe," Skocik said.