2006 Citizen of the Year - John McDonnell

Former Mayor is Delmar's 2006 Citizen of the Year
By Mike McClure
(Article in the Laurel Star newspaper)

Delmar resident John McDonnell, the former Delmar, DE., mayor and a member of the Delmar Lions Club and the VFW Post 8276 Men's Auxiliary, doesn't take part in the numerous community events his clubs are invovled in for the accolades. Even so, on Nov. 2 he'll be receiving some during the annual Delmar Citizen of the year banquet when he is saluted as the 2006 Delmar Citizen of the year.

"There's so many good people in this town that do a whole lot that people don't realize," McDonnell sais. "It's basically a who's who of Delmar. To be from outside of Delmar and to be awarded this honor is beyond me."

In fact, McDonnell says he was stunned when he was told that he was the recipient of the annual award. "I do it because I want to, I don't do it for any accolades. I was totally stunned," said McDonnell. "My reaction to Lisa (Ellis) was, 'You've got to be kidding, there's a lot of people more deserving than me.'"

McDonnell and his wife Diana "Dee" moved to Delmar 21 years ago and have been contributing to the community ever since. John, who is a human resources professional, is from Monaca, Pa., which is 30 mile north of Pittsburgh. He had been working in the steel industry for ten years before the company he was working for went out of business. He answered an ad in a publication and moved to this area to work as a payroll supervisor. "We came to Delmar and we like the town. There are a lot of good people here," McDonnell said.

The McDonnells, who each came from small towns in Pennsylvania, have been married for 32 years. They met at Community College in Beaver County when they were both 18; both later transferred to Clarion State College (now University). "I couldn't do this without her. She's a fine lady," John said of his wife, who is a past recipient of the Delmar Chamber of Commerce's annual award.

McDonnell served as mayor of Delmar DE., from 1990 to 2004 after being asked to run by last year's Citizen of the Year, Wayne Bastian, and his wife. He already knew Delmar, MD., mayor Doug Niblett through the Delmar Lions Club and says he relied on him to show him what to do in the early years as mayor. "I'm proud of the 14 years I had as mayor," said McDonnell.

McDonnell said he is proud of the growth of the town, especially the development on the east side of U.S. 13 which was approved while he was mayor. He lost the election in 2004 to current mayor John Outten but says he still keeps up with what's going on in town and hasn't ruled out the possibility of running again sometime. McDonnell has been a member of the Delmar Lions Club for 18 years and is a three-time president and past cabinet secretary for District 22-D. Former neighbor Ed Taylor asked him to attend a Lions Club meeting and he has been a part of the organization ever since.

McDonnell was named Lion of the Year three years ago and Taylor, who since passed away, was the first person he thanked. He likes the organization because it is "very community oriented." The Lions Club is heavily invovled in programs to help the visually-impaired and also helps people in need of hearing aids. McDonnell is also a director with the Delmar Chamber of Commerce. He has been a chamber member for the past 15 years as a representative of the Lions Club and the town. He is also a member of the VFW Post 8276 Men's Auxiliary, where he is a two time president, and St. Stephen's United Methodist Church.

Whether it's flipping burgers at the Day in the Park, cooking at the VFW, or taking part in the annual Lions Club Bowl (this Friday in Delmar) festivities, McDonnell likes giving back to his community.

"I just enjoy doing what I do," McDonnell said. "Delmar's a very, very fine community and I'm glad to be a part of it.

(Article used by permission)

John ~ we, the Greater Delmar Chamber of Commerce are truely proud to present this award to you this evening. Your contributions to the many organizations in which you have served and continue to serve are commendable. Your hard work and dedication to our community are truely apprreciated. Congratulations and thank you from the entire Delmar Community.