Anthony Defilippi, Leechburg Council President

For many people, retirement is looked upon as a time to be with family, get absorbed in hobbies, or travel around the country. But, judging from what I've seen in my father and others that I know who've reached that plateau in life, it's not the beginning of sleeping in and playing all day - it's just a career change. People spend their lives investing in one thing, retire, then move on to something else.

Anthony Defilippi, Leechburg Council President, has found that he is busier now than he ever was while holding down a full-time teaching job. He is at the borough building almost every day caring for Leechburg's needs. And, when he isn't busy there, he's sure to be found involved in some other community project or event. Tony is also very active in his church, Christ The King Parish in Gilpin. He was the president of the church council for over fifteen years, a Lay Minister, and an usher for twenty-five years. A lifelong resident of Leechburg, Tony attended Leechburg High School and later went on to IUP and earned a graduate's degree in Secondary Education with a Chemistry Major. He followed up at Pitt and received his Masters degree in Education.

Tony began by teaching Chemistry and Advanced Chemistry in the Arnold school system from 1966 to 1968. During the summers he worked in industries as a Chemist in Engineering. Then, when the Arnold and New Kensington schools merged, there were more teachers than job openings. The same day he found out that he might not have his teaching job for long, he attended a council meeting, and someone asked if he ever considered teaching in the Leechburg School District; they just happened to be hiring at the time. He of course applied for the job and ended up spending a total of thirty-five years as a schoolteacher at Leechburg High School. Tony said that he loved every day he taught. Now, some of his best friends are some of his former students.

As Leechburg Council President, Tony's focus right now is on community revitalization projects such as the improvements along the riverfront and the Leechburg/Hyde Park bridge, downtown revitalization to business fronts, and historic preservation. He has also been making plans with people to do something with the old Allegheny Ludlum building. If it could be used for another business or college it would be great for the town. As Tony said, "When you stand still everyone goes past you. We need to keep moving ahead - keep improving and doing the best we can with what resources we have." By being involved in the planning, Anthony hopes to generate an increase in community participation in local projects.

Over the years, Tony has been very active in his community and in the Leechburg council. He has been on the State Borough Board of Directors since 1972 and has spent over twenty years as President of Council. He was also President of the State Boroughs in 1981 and President of the State Councilmen in PA in 1992 and 1993. For his efforts in teaching and government, Tony has received numerous awards including: Who's Who Armstrong America's Teachers twice; the Kevin Burns Citation Teaching Award, which is given annually by the American Chemical Society branch of Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh; The Association Award from the Governor; and an IUP Outstanding Alumni recognition. He was chosen Man of the Year by the Marconi Club and Citizen of the Year by the Elks. He also spends a lot of time volunteering at activities, and every Thursday evening he cooks chicken at the Marconi Club with his wife Carol of 39 years.

Tony also enjoys visiting their children; John, 29, is a state trooper in Virginia, and Cathryn, 21, is a full-time student at Duquesne University. And, he served a period of time as a commissioned officer in the United States Army and achieved the rank of Captain. He was in active duty for two years and then in a reserve outfit for four years.

If Tony's life is the norm, it is evident that retirement can be an extremely busy and fulfilling experience. Tony plans to continue forward on this path of community service and trying to make a difference. Judging from everything he's committed himself to and excelled in, no matter what he chooses to invest in, it's clear his focus will be on improving the lives of others.