'Mayor for all Allentonians, rich or poor' remembered

[Freddie Stubbs]

More than 100 people attend memorial service for Joseph S. Daddona.


By Elliot Grossman
Of The Morning Call

June 10, 2004

Former Allentown Mayor Joseph S. Daddona's friends began their final farewell Wednesday, saluting the late four-term mayor as a man who lived to serve others.

''He was a mayor for all Allentonians, rich or poor,'' said Dorothy Roth, a longtime political supporter. ''He was a kind, gracious, caring mayor, with the ability to inspire and unite.''

Roth and nine other Daddona friends, colleagues and pastors — representing various aspects of his life — spoke at a memorial service. Daddona, who was 70, helped select the speakers. He died Saturday after a battle with cancer.

Behind the speakers, Daddona lay in an open casket with his pager and datebook by his left arm. He always had them with him.

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