After 45 years of service, Tony decided to retire to spend more time enjoying long walks and Subway with his friend, Dawn.

Everyone that came was welcomed by Tony to have some cake and see the decorations that lined the lobby.

Those from the community had cake and coffee offered to them as they congratulated Tony on his full retirement.

Tony made sure that those that came in knew, “this time it’s 100%,” referring to his first attempt at retiring before coming back to continue his service and dedication to the Y.

LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Tony Palaia is pictured.

Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding presented Tony with a proclamation, honoring him upon his retirement from the Lock Haven YMCA.

In the proclamation Tony is recognized for his kindness, humor and unwavering spirit that has touched the lives of all who know him. It ended by officially marking Oct. 31, 2025, as Tony Palaia Day in Clinton County.

His second recognition came from state representative Stephanie Borowicz’s office, where Michelle McCain presented an award to Palaia for his dedication to the community across his years of service.

His third, and final, recognition came from the Y, where they thanked him again for his dedication to making the community feel safe, welcome and cared for.

On top of his awards, Tony received a present from his YMCA family with a card, along with additional cards from friends and Y members.

LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding was among the dignitaries on hand to present Palaia with a certificate.

When his coworkers were asked about their favorite moments and memories of Tony, there were a variety of responses, all ending the same way, Tony cared about every one of them.

Amanda Force, one of the directors of childcare at the Y, shared how Tony would ask her about the snow every day.

“He loves to tease me about it but it’s okay because I can tease him back,” said Force.

“He always keeps us on track, no matter what the project is,” said Lindsey Bierly, their membership director. “He asked me every day if we were painting the weight room, even though it took several weeks. He’s involved in everything we have going on around here”

Many people that stopped by asked what he would be doing with all of his new free time, his only response was, “I’m going to take a long walk.”

LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Michelle McCain, from State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz’s office was in attendance to present Palaia with a certificate.

Palaia joking with another coworker, Lori Lohman, said “Hey Lori, I don’t have to worry about the garbage cans anymore,” causing many laughs.

Many of the members at the Y talked about how different it will feel to not see Tony there anymore, saying he was a friendly face they enjoyed seeing.

LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Bartlett presented Palaia with a T-shirt.

LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Beth Bartlett, Associate Executive Director at the YMCA, presented Palaia with a certificate of recognition as he retired after 45 years of service.

LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS The party’s cake is shown.