Fish fry tradition continues with new management at Our Lady of Joy in Plum

The Lenten fish fry at Our Lady of Joy is under new management.

Chris Allman of the Knights of Columbus Council 4242 is the new coordinator of the fundraiser at the Holy Family Parish church in Plum.

The parishioner took over for the late Joe Dello Stritto Sr., who passed away Oct. 10 after a battle with cancer. He was 81.

Allman called Dello Stritto an outstanding gentleman who did a lot for his parish and community. He also helped the Knights navigate the Lenten tradition through the pandemic years of takeout-only options until it returned to its full menu and operations last year.

Dello Stritto, a former O’Block Junior High School wrestling and football coach, was a 1960 Swissvale High School grad and finalist for athlete of the year at the school. He helped establish Plum School District’s elementary physical educational curriculum.

He retired from the district after decades in public education and served as a substitute teacher at St. John Catholic School in Plum.

Dello Stritto was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, East Boros Chapter, in 2018.

Allman said he is proud to lead the fish fry and commended Dello Stritto’s widow, Carol, wife of 56 years, for her support and guidance.

“What we’re serving, a lot of it is the same,” Allman said. “We have the baked and hand-breaded fried fish. That’s something we take pride in. It’s haddock. What we’ve heard from people that come to eat, they come back for the haddock because they love the flavor.”

Patrons are greeted by volunteers and a baked goods tables at the door. Knights of Columbus members take food orders and hustle in the kitchen to fill them.

“It’s a great opportunity for the guys to work together, to get to know one another other than just being at meetings,” Allman said. “It’s usually a good time. Everybody has fun and they want to come back and volunteer again. There’s so many guys helping out it makes things easy.”

Each Friday, at least 30 volunteers help at the church.

About 300 pounds of fish is served at each fish fry from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday at Our Lady of Joy.

They have weekly specials including crab cakes, pierogies and stuff shells.

Other menu items include baked fish, shrimp boats, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, haluski, grilled cheese and apple sauce. Funnel cakes were added this year. They sell out quickly.

The Good Friday fish fry is from 4 to 7 p.m. at 2000 O’Block Road.

Proceeds benefit the parish and many Knights of Columbus charitable efforts.

Call 412-828-9846 for more information or to place an order.