Peter DiPaola, 2019 Pelham Person of the Year
Pelham neighbors Peter DiPaola and Anne Frost are two excellent reasons why Pelham has become known as “The small town with a big heart”, and have been selected as this year’s Pelham Civic Association’s 2019 Persons of the Year.
It is difficult to find a more successful individual whose years of combining volunteer leadership and public service, has had more of an impact on Pelham than Peter DiPaola.
A true humanitarian, for the past 40 years, Peter’s distinguished contributions have enhanced the quality of life of the individuals and families of Pelham and beyond. He is extremely proud to have been raised in Pelham, and then “paying it forward” to the community he loves so much.
Through his tireless altruistic and selfless work - whether it is his years volunteering for various charitable organizations or serving in local government - Pete applied his virtues of fairness, compassion, and commitment, with his intuitive business acumen to create programs and initiatives that have made significant differences in our entire Town. In doing so, he redefined the landscape of local politics, by virtually keeping “politics” out of the positions and offices he held. His strategic and creative programs - backed by an exemplary work ethic - have resulted in policies and principles that exist in our community and government today.
Peter’s exemplary accomplishments include:
• 2019 Grand Marshall of the Pelham Memorial Day Parade
• Active Member of the Pelham Civic Association
• Member of the Rotary Club of the Pelhams; recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award; and 2019 Honoree
• Member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church & Usher Society
• Volunteered on Pelham’s “Sod Squad” to refurbish and build new athletic fields
• Member of Pelham Chamber of Commerce (Vice President)
• Member of PACT
• Pelham Little League Coach
• Pelham Soccer Coach
• Pelham Town Supervisor (2011 to present) responsible for the operations of the Town of Pelham, including Recreation Department, Town-wide ambulance, Town Court, tax collection for all Pelham taxing authorities, maintain emergency shelters, Pelham Public Library, and animal control.
• Pelham Town Councilman (2004-2010) served as Library Liaison and oversaw the upgrade and renovation of Library, and directed all Town of Pelham facilities and had oversight of all major projects
• Mayor of the Village of Pelham Manor (2001-2003) In charge of the government operations in Pelham Manor and formulated projects such as the BJ's shopping Plaza mall, the revitalization of the multi-acre "Shore Park" green space, playground, and jogging path.
• Police Commissioner of the Village of Pelham Manor (1999 - 2001) Monitored the operations of the department on a weekly basis making sure the morale of the men was positive and the public treated courteously. The Commissioner needs to maintain the integrity of the department at all times
• Pelham Manor Fire Commissioner (1997- 1999) Made sure the men, both paid and volunteers had all required equipment to properly perform their duties and protect our residents, and dealt with the relations between both departments volunteer and paid.
• Pelham Manor Commissioner of Public Works (1995-1997) Dealt on a weekly basis with the Sanitation Department, Sewer Department and Parks Department, including overseeing all major street projects.
