New Kensington City Clerk Dennis Scarpiniti — referred to as the city’s “go-to guy” by councilman Tim DiMaio — will retire this month after 38 years as the city’s top administrator.
Council on Monday accepted Scarpiniti’s retirement letter, which is effective May 30.
“I can’t help but feel grateful for the incredible experiences and challenges that pushed me to grow, and the friendships that enriched my life,” said Scarpiniti, 71. “I had the privilege of working alongside some really, truly extraordinary people.”
In all, that’s included 20 council people, four mayors, four engineers, eight police chiefs, three solicitors, three treasurers, two fire chiefs and “numerous individuals serving on boards and commissions,” he said. Scarpiniti gave a special shoutout to a mentor, Thecla Portka, an administrative assistant to the city clerk’s office when he first took over the job in 1987.
Scarpiniti said his proudest accomplishments as city clerk include completing every entryway into New Kensington, refurbishing the city’s two bridges and being a part of the revitalization of New Kensington, especially over the past decade.
He also spoke highly of his time representing New Kensington as a southwest district board member on the Pennsylvania Municipal League, a statewide advocacy organizations for municipal government.
“This opportunity provided me the ability to meet and network with public officials and administrators throughout Pennsylvania,” Scarpiniti said. “This opportunity was cherished and certainly will be missed. I am hopeful someone will continue to represent New Kensington by attending league functions.”
Scarpiniti said he intends to spend time with his wife, Mary Beth, two children and four grandchildren during retirement.
Mayor Tom Guzzo said Scarpiniti “has meant a great deal to the City of New Kensington.”
“He has helped guide us through some trying times and he has contributed greatly toward the successes we are experiencing today,” Guzzo said. “Whether it’s holding down the fort on a day-to-day basis, dealing with human resource issues, banking issues, handling calls from our constituents, helping to write and administer grants, and keeping our budget numbers in line, Dennis works hard and diligently and treats everyone with respect.”
Other councilmen — DiMaio, Todd Mentecki, Corey Pistininzi, Dante Cicconi — gave similar praise to Scarpiniti and wished him the best in retirement.
“The city is definitely losing an asset when you retire,” Mentecki said.
Said Cicconi: “It’s always been great working with you, and we’re going to miss you.”
Guzzo said council is in the process of deciding its next steps with regard to hiring a new city clerk.