THE DR. CHARLES E. STACEY PAVILION
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He never ran or threw a football. He never shot or rebounded a basketball. He never threw or hit a baseball. And he never ran a race or tossed a javelin.
But not all Donora Dragons are athletes and when you think of a true Donora Dragon, in every sense of the word in an already crowded Home of Champions, there aren’t many who compare to the longevity in serving our community as Dr. Charles E. Stacey. Known simply as Chuck or Doc to most, it’s really hard to fathom how long he’s been involved with transforming our schools, community and history on a lot of different levels for over seventy years.
Born in 1931 and living most of his life on McKean Avenue between Tenth and Eleventh Streets, Chuck lived just a few blocks from the steel and zinc mills. He was a senior in high school during the 1948 Smog. His father Charles was the President of the Donora Board of Health, so not only did he live the event on the street but in the home as well.
In high school, Chuck was involved in sports but as a student manager and not as a player. After graduating from Donora High School in 1949, Chuck matriculated to the University of Pittsburgh to earn his bachelor’s in History and Education.
After graduating from Pitt, Chuck returned to his beloved Donora High School to teach both History and English having an impact on numerous Donora and Ringgold students and athletes.
A favorite teacher to many, Chuck honed his storytelling skills on his students. Always involved in sports in some capacity, he would personally drive track athletes to state meets.
After Donora High School merged into the Ringgold School District, Chuck earned his master’s degree and then his PhD (becoming Doc) and worked his way up at Ringgold becoming a Principal then eventually Superintendent. After Donora and then Ringgold, Doc spent seven years as the Chairman of the Education Department at Carlow College where he still taught classes.
Outside of school, not only did Doc sit on the board of the Donora Public Library but numerous other boards around the Mon Valley that included the Donora Historical Society.
BOROUGH OF DONORA
WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
POSTHUMOUS PROCLAMATION
CHARLES E. STACEY PAVILION
WHEREAS, the Borough of Donora recognizes the importance of honoring individuals whose dedication, leadership, service, and commitment have made a lasting and meaningful contribution to the Borough and its residents; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Charles E. Stacey was born in the Borough of Donora on November 24, 1931, and proudly called Donora his hometown; and dedicated his life to the field of education, serving as an Educator, Principal, and Superintendent, and through his distinguished career touched the lives of countless students, families, educators, and members of the communities he served; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Stacey exemplified the principles of education, leadership, dedication, and service, demonstrating throughout his professional career a commitment to helping young people achieve their potential and preparing future generations for success; and the Borough of Donora believes that public facilities and community landmarks provide an appropriate and lasting means by which to recognize individuals who have contributed to their community and whose lives have left a lasting legacy; and
WHEREAS, Pavilion #2 at Palmer Park has served as a place where residents, families, organizations, and visitors have gathered together and created lasting memories; and the Borough of Donora desires to permanently recognize the life, accomplishments, and legacy of Dr. Charles E. Stacey, a son of the Borough of Donora and a distinguished educator, by naming Pavilion #2 at Palmer Park in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Charles E. Stacey passed away on April 25, 2022, and the Borough of Donora believes that dedicating Pavilion #2 in his memory is a fitting and lasting tribute to his life, his career in education, and his connection to the community in which he was born; and the Borough Council of the Borough of Donora finds that the renaming of Pavilion #2 is a fitting posthumous tribute to Dr. Charles E. Stacey and will preserve his name, accomplishments, and legacy as an important part of the history of our Borough.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Council of the Borough of Donora, Washington County, Pennsylvania, hereby formally recognizes and honors the late Dr. Charles E. Stacey for his distinguished career in education, his leadership, his dedication to students and the educational community, and his connection to the Borough of Donora.
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that Pavilion #2 at Palmer Park shall henceforth be officially known and designated as:
THE DR. CHARLES E. STACEY PAVILION
and that this name shall be used in all appropriate Borough records, references, signage, publications, maps, and other official materials relating to the facility.
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that the Borough of Donora proudly dedicates this pavilion in memory of Dr. Charles E. Stacey, a native son of Donora whose life was dedicated to education, leadership, and service, so that his name and legacy may remain a part of Palmer Park and the Borough of Donora for generations to come.
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that the Borough of Donora extends its sincere appreciation and respect to the family, colleagues, former students, and friends of Dr. Charles E. Stacey, and recognizes the enduring impact of his life and career in education.
