Remembering David Paola
A photo of the ground breaking ceremony in September 1962 for the Trafford American Legion Post 331. From left to right, Zack Cawoski, Chief of Police; Robert Marker, Mayor; David Paola, Commander of American Legion Post 331; Edward Hoak, Adjutant of Dept of PA; Kathleen Paola, Auxiliary President; and Earl S. Keim, Westmoreland County Judge.
On July 30, 2022, a lifelong resident of Trafford, David Paola passed away. He was a graduate of the Trafford High School Class of 1948 and a U.S. Navy veteran during the Korean War. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion for more than 60 years of service.
David Paola, nickname "Poncho" Trafford High Class of 1948
Paola served aboard the USS Wisconsin (BB-64) shown here firing a three-gun salvo from her forward 16"/50 gun turret, during bombardment duty off Korea. The photograph is dated 30 January 1952. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
