Chamber remembers faithful volunteer

Members of the Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce have established a lasting memorial to one of the organization's most active members and community boosters.

Earlier, a tree planted near the Special Olympics bocce court in Mitchell Park was dedicated to Tom Giannattasio.

Most recently, a memorial plaque was placed on a bench at the courthouse square for Giannattasio, who died in 2005, just a few days shy of his 54th birthday.

The Chamber teamed with the Potter-Tioga Maple Producers to sponsor the bench, which fronts East Second Street, a half-block from the JCPenney store that Giannattasio managed for several years.

He had been with JCPenney for more than 30 years, living in a dozen communities before moving with his family to Coudersport. Within weeks, Giannattasio immersed himself in civic affairs and continued his active involvement until his death.