“I’m honored by this unexpected award, and I’m proud to be listed among the fifty award winners who have added so much to our community,” said Tom Banditelli Sr. after receiving the 2014 Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce’s 51st Annual Citizenship Award, now called Joseph M. Plasko Memorial Citizenship Award, during the Chamber’s 64th Annual Tamaqua Community Dinner held Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the Hometown Fire Company. “I want to thank my wife Carol, and my family and friends for their help, confidence and encouragement. And to my so Tom Jr., and employees for the commitment to our business.”
“He (Banditelli) can always be counted on to step forward to make a difference, helping in any way he can,” said Linda Yulanavage, Executive Director, Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce during the program.
Her speech continues, “Beginning his life of service to others after high school, he served in the US Air Force and was a member of the Air Force Band. Later, he brought his love of music to Tamaqua as a member of Angie & the Citations. He has served the community through his business, Tom’s Auto Body & Marine, for 50 years, 49 in the current location.
A dedicated member of the Chamber for over 30 years, he now serves on our Board of Directors, and each year, coordinates our annual fishing derby. As President of the Owl Creek Reservoir Commission since its beginning, he has provided leadership to help launch programs and activities to preserve the dams and establish the area as a valuable recreational venue. He is always ready to share his love and knowledge of fishing and the outdoors to everyone, especially our youth.
Every year at Christmas, he provides the unique motorized 4-wheel reindeer that usher Santa and Mrs. Claus into downtown Tamaqua, and places a Letter to Santa mailbox in Depot Square Park. Whether it’s contributions to the Tamaqua Italian Club, the Chamber, the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, Tamaqua Baseball Association, or any of the other volunteer organizations in the area, we can always count on him to do what he can unselfishly and without any thought of personal gain. Working tirelessly year-round to promote Tamaqua and to make it a better place for all of us, he truly shows us what it means to be a good neighbor and outstanding citizen of Tamaqua.”
“I really don’t feel deserving of the award,” said Banditelli, when informed he would be receiving the award. “I just try to give back to the community when I can as a thank you for their support of my family and my business. I really enjoy being able to do that.”
In addition, this year, the Banditelli family business (Tom’s Auto and Marine) will be celebrating 50 years of business in Tamaqua.
Some other community organizations Banditelli has shown support for include Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, Schuylkill Trout Unlimited, Schuylkill Carbon Marine Corps League Toys For Tots Program, Tamaqua Salvation Army, Schuylkill County American Red Cross, and so on.
Senator Dave Argall and Representative Jerry Knowles also presented citations to Banditelli during the program.
In addition to the presentation of the Citizenship Award, the Chamber released its annual Community Progress Report at the dinner. The report gave a snapshot of the events, accomplishments and efforts of various community groups and the volunteers who are moving Tamaqua forward. Copies of the report are used throughout the year as a marketing tool, giving prospective investors, businesses, new residents, real estate agents and the general public valuable information about the Tamaqua area.
Yulanavage stated the Chamber’s appreciation to all the sponsors and a number of individuals who helped with the dinner and community report. A few volunteers mentioned were Pat Stefanek, Linda Marchalk, Jack Kulp, Rich Hadesty, Jim Barron, Eileen Barron and Gar Thomas.

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Click HERE to view a list of all Tamaqua Citizenship Winners.

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