Manville was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Szabo, a beloved fixture in our town for decades.

At the Borough Council meeting on Monday, November 24th, Steve was honored with a proclamation recognizing his many accomplishments and the lasting impact he left on our community.

Surrounded by family and friends, the proclamation was read into the record by Councilman Joe Lukac, a tribute to Steve’s enduring legacy. The proclamation read as follows -

WHEREAS, it is with profound sorrow and heartfelt appreciation that the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Manville pause to remember and honor the life and legacy of Councilman Steve Szabo, a devoted public servant, mentor, veteran, and cherished member of our community; and

WHEREAS, Councilman Szabo faithfully served the residents of Manville for over eighteen years as a six-term incumbent on the Borough Council, including service as Council President, during which he chaired every council committee with integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication to the people of this Borough; and

WHEREAS, before his civic service, Steve honorably served our nation as a United States Navy Veteran and Marine Corps Reservist, carrying forward the values of discipline, honor, and commitment that would guide every aspect of his life; and

WHEREAS, his passion for public safety and community well-being extended far beyond elected office, as demonstrated through his ten years of service as a Special Police Officer in the Manville Criminal Investigation Division, and five years of volunteer service with the Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERTS) -- always ready to lend a helping hand to his neighbors in times of need; and

WHEREAS, Councilman Szabo’s steadfast devotion to civic and fraternal organizations was a hallmark of his life, including his proud membership and leadership roles as a Life Member and Past Post Commander of the American Legion, Life Member of MYAL, Life Member of the Manville Rescue Squad, Life Member and Past Grand Knight of the Manville Knights of Columbus, and Past Commander of the Manville VFW Post #2290, as well as a faithful parishioner of Sacred Heart Church; and

WHEREAS, to his colleagues and friends, Steve was more than a public official—he was a mentor, a model of political courtesy, and a reminder that true leadership is rooted in respect, compassion, and love for community; and WHEREAS, to his family, Steve was a devoted father and proud grandfather, whose strength, integrity, and kindness remain an enduring testament to the values he lived by every day; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of Manville and all who were blessed to know him will forever be grateful for his lifetime of service, his friendship, and his unwavering belief in the power of community; NOW,

THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that I, Mayor Richard M. Onderko, on behalf of the Borough Council and the residents of the Borough of Manville, do hereby honor and celebrate the life of Councilman Steve Szabo, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to our town, his nation, and his fellow citizens; and BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that this day shall stand as a lasting tribute to his memory and a reminder that his spirit of service, kindness, and dedication will forever remain woven into the very fabric of Manville.

Steve's son and grandchildren were presented with the proclamation and shared reflections on his love for Manville and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

Several Councilmembers offered personal stories of working alongside Steve -- whether on Borough Council, at the Sacred Heart Festival, or simply enjoying Friday night dinners together.

ManvilleToday extends its deepest sympathy to Steve's family, friends, and colleagues.