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District judge presents Outstanding Citizen of the Year awards

By Harry Funk staff Writer hfunk@thealmanac.Net 2 min read
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William Haberthur, left, has been honored by District Judge Ron Arnoni.

Harry Funk / The Almanac

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Harry Funk / The Almanac

Richard Thomas, left, was nominated by son Jim. The Thomases flank District Judge Ron Arnoni.

To honor residents of the two municipalities his office covers, District Judge Ron Arnoni has established an Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award.

He presented the awards Nov. 29 to the first pair of honorees, Richard Thomas of Upper St. Clair and William Haberthur of Bethel Park.

Thomas, a 45-year township resident, is the father of seven children and was nominated by his son Jim.

Harry Funk / The Almanac

Harry Funk / The Almanac

Richard Thomas and his wife, Jana

“You’ve been a great contributor to so many different organizations,” Arnoni said, citing examples such as the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department, Pennsylvania Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts Board and Junior Diabetes Research Foundation.

Thomas also serves on the board of directors for the Upper St. Clair Veterans Park.

“I can’t think of a better person to be chosen the first Outstanding Citizen of the Year ever in Upper St. Clair Township,” Arnoni said.

A partner with Pepper Hamilton LLP and in charge of the firm’s Pittsburgh office, Thomas has more than 35 years of experience in traditional labor relations matters and employment law. He has focused his practice in the steel, metals, manufacturing and heavy construction industries.

Haberthur, a 1978 graduate of Bethel Park High School, returned to the community a few years ago after retiring from a financial career in New York City. As secretary of the board for the Bethel Park Historical Society, he has spearheaded efforts to renovate the Schoolhouse Arts and History Center on South Park Road.

“You inspired so many to get involved,” Arnoni told him, “and you have been instrumental in raising so much money for this endeavor.”

Haberthur, who was nominated by fellow board member Clarence “Skip” Hornak, acknowledged the hard work of others, as well.

“It’s always nice to be singled out, but there are so many people who have spent countless hours, tireless hours and efforts in renovating this building and getting behind this project,” he said.

Arnoni presented the awards on behalf of the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania, giving each honoree a certificate and commemorative medal. David DeLallo of DeLallo’s Fort Couch Café in Bethel Park also acknowledged the contributions of Haberthur and Thomas with a gift certificate for each.

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