Latest News
September 6, 2018

DiPiazza resigns from Charleroi council

By Stacy Wolford

By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
A Charleroi councilman abruptly resigned from his elected post Thursday by leaving a letter that simply stated, “I quit.”
During Thursday’s business meeting, council unanimously accepted the resignation of Councilman Randy DiPiazza, who did not attend the meeting.
Council President Jerry Jericho said he was not expecting DiPiazza’s resignation, but when he arrived at the borough building Thursday he found DiPiazza’s handwritten letter on his desk. The letter only stated, “I quit,” followed by DiPiazza’s signature.
Jericho said he has not had a chance to speak directly with DiPiazza about why he resigned, but said he “respects” his decision.
“We had our falling outs and our disagreements at times but that’s what this room is all about,” Jericho said. “I try to let those things go when I walk out of here. I respect (DiPiazza) and know that he wants what is best for Charleroi.
“I can’t speak to why he made this decision.”
Council members Larry Celaschi and Jody Cheplic both spoke highly of DiPiazza.
“He is going to be hard to replace,” Cheplic said. “Those are big shoes to fill.”
Celaschi echoed Cheplic’s sentiments. “We had a councilperson that wore this town on his sleeve,” Celaschi said. “He bled Charleroi. I worked with him on many projects. I know him as a hands-on councilperson. He was here during the day and was somebody who was available 24/7.

To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Friday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com

Charleroi celebrates Magic City Saturday
Latest News, Main
June 29, 2026
Charleroi hosted Magic City Saturday to celebrate 250 years of independence in the borough. Events were held on Fifth Street and McKean Avenue and extended to the square and the Market House. The cele...
Monessen kicks off free Summer Concert Series
Latest News, Main
June 29, 2026
Monessen kicked off its first free summer concert Saturday at the City Park Amphitheatre featuring the Billy Price Band and Broom. Mayor Ron Mozer welcomes guests and introduces Broom to open the conc...
Public schools grapple with enrollment decline
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
June 29, 2026
Having fewer students spawns budget and staffing issues. By EMBER DUKE TribLive There have been fewer than 100 kindergarten students in the Burrell School District for the last three years — a 23% dec...
Heat index could top 100 this week
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
June 29, 2026
The warmest temperatures are expected from Tuesday to Friday. By MEGAN TROTTER TribLive Allegheny and Westmoreland counties are in for a sweltering stretch as a weeklong heat wave settles over Western...
BVA approves new budget with tax hike
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
June 29, 2026
The increase is much higher for Westmoreland County than Fayette. The Belle Vernon Area school board recently approved its 2026-27 budget, which includes a significant tax increase for Westmoreland Co...