Carmen J. LaPenta, Sr., passed away on April 28th. 2008.  Carmen was a long-time member of the ECARA, along with his wife Ora, who passed away in 2001.  Carmen suffered from health problems for several years that prevented him from attending meetings or activities, but we kept in touch with him frequently.  We saw him at the Ellwood City Festival in 2006, and he was looking like his old self and said he was feeling great. 

Carmen was a fitter with Aetna Standard Engineering Co. for 35 years.  He also served as a Corporal in the US Army during the Korean War.  Among his hobbies were hunting, fishing, golf, and playing the guitar.  He was an active ham radio operator for many years, and was a Volunteer Examiner.