Before Tuesday’s regular Canfield Township trustees meeting, Zoning Inspector Traci DeCapua hosted a special ceremony to pay tribute to those who have served the township for 10 or more years, serving on either the Zoning Commission or the Zoning Board of Appeals.

“Our records go back to 1956, and I couldn’t find anything beyond that,” DeCapua said. “Many members are deceased, and we will be sending certificates to known family members.”

The longest running individual was the late Richard Harry (deceased) who served 41 years from 1956 to 1997. He had served on the township’s Zoning Board of Appeals.

Thomas Allen (deceased) who also served on the Board of Appeals (1982-2004) for 22 years had family members attend the event and accept his certificate. Attending was son Matthew Allen and his wife Cyn Allen.

One other Board of Appeals member who was present to accept a certificate was David Knarr with 22 years.

Among Zoning Commission members present were Ted (Theodore) Dunchak (23 years), Michael Lytle (13 years) and Anthony Russo (11 years).

Canfield Township Trustee Marie Cartwright told those present, “On behalf of the trustees I thank you for your service. Over the years, you’ve served the township well and you have made a difference.”

DeCapua said the plaques have room to add more names as members exceed the 10-year mark.

While DeCapua couldn’t find zoning records before the 1950s, the city of Canfield website did list some interesting information from the first Canfield Township election of officials in 1803. At that time the elected officials included two unusual positions that are the forerunners of modern zoning commissions. Those positions were “Overseer of the Poor” and “Fence Viewer.”

Roll call of honorees

Zoning Commission

Members with 10-plus years:

• Donald Hall (deceased) 1973-1997, 24 years

• William Calhoun (deceased) 1972-1996, 1998-2000, 26 years

• David Dyer (deceased) 1976-1990, 14 years

• John (Jack) Dorrance (deceased) 1977-1992, 15 years

• Theodore Dunchak 1991-2014, 23 years

• Jeff Moliterno 1996-2010, 14 years

• Chuck Coleman (deceased) 1992-2016, 24 years

• Michael Lytle 2000-2013, 13 years

• Ken Zuzik 2014-2024, 14 years

• Anthony Russo 2014-2025, 11 years

Zoning Board of Appeals

Members with 10-plus years:

• Richard Harry (deceased) 1956-1997, 41 years

• Daniel Mirto (deceased) 1976-1991, 15 years

• Thomas Allen (deceased) 1982-2004, 22 years

• Eli Alexander 2002-2016, 14 years

• Loran Brooks 1996-2024, 28 years

• David Knarr 2003-2025, 22 years