The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Council recognizes resident’s 100th birthday with commendation
PLYMOUTH » When Daniel Paciello was born, a gallon of gas cost between 21 and 30 cents per gallon. That same year, 76 cents would cover a loaf of bread, a dozen eggs, a quart of milk and a pound of steak.
Of course, the cost of everything increases in 100 years’ time – the age Paciello will be on his next birthday on April 15.
Paciello, who has been alive through 17 U.S. presidents, was honored during
Monday’s Plymouth Township Council meeting with an official commendation.
A 1938 Norristown Area High School graduate, Paciello joined the National Guard Troop D 4th Cavalry upon graduation. When World War II was declared, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he rose to the rank of Corporal and served until his honorable discharge on Sept. 24, 1945.
He received numerous medals and unit citations for his military service.
Following his military career, Paciello established himself at Acme Markets, where he was promoted to manager.
A 30-year Plymouth Township resident, Paciello has contributed generously to the Service and Devotion Memorial, Harriet Wetherill Park and East Plymouth Valley Park.
He became a member of the Catholic War Veterans on Nov. 4, 1959 and spent subsequent years volunteering his time. The organization presented Paciello with the Distinguished Service
Award Medal in February.
“Your many and longstanding contributions and volunteer service in performing a myriad of duties, in subordination of your personal welfare and without compensation, is truly commendable and worthy of recognition,” the citation reads. “Your working with and assistance to veterans, their spouses, and their families is noteworthy and reflects great credit upon yourself.”
During Monday’s meeting, Plymouth Township Council Chairman Christopher
Manero read a citation sponsored by State Rep. Matthew D. Bradford from the House of Representatives
of Pennsylvania honoring the “momentous occasion” of Paciello’s 100th birthday.