Lackawanna County Chronicles The Passing Of Commissioner Ray A. Alberigi
The Lackawanna County government family and the community lost a major cornerstone today (August 11) with the passing of former Commissioner Ray A. Alberigi.
Commissioner Alberigi was a man of great conviction and vision – a true champion. He deeply cared about people and the community in which he resided. His mission was simple – to improve the quality of life of Lackawanna County, strengthen the economy, and create life-sustaining opportunities for the residents.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Commissioner Alberigi. His vision and wisdom can be witnessed everyday throughout Lackawanna County. His integrity in running the government and creating innovative Human Services programs with his colleague, former Commissioner Joe Corcoran, is evident through the numerous recreational and business projects that line the landscape that we enjoy every day,” the Board of Commissioners explained in a joint statement.
“We wish to extend our deepest condolences to his family along with our sincere gratitude for all that he did for Lackawanna County. These indelible markings will last for generations, truly withstanding the test of time.”
Commissioner Alberigi’s accomplishments from 1984 – 1999 read like a Hall of Fame roster. A synopsis of the developments that turned Lackawanna County into a thriving, stable area follows:
Implemented the first-ever annual audit by an original Big 8 accounting firm that served to upgrade Lackawanna County’s municipal bond rating to Triple A.
Created numerous authorities to oversee additional County agencies and operations.
Constructed several new libraries.
Developed the financing program for the Wilkes Barre/Scranton International Airport’s master plan which included among other things the Parking Garage and the new Congressman Joseph M. McDade terminal.
Created the Lackawanna Recycling Center.
Installed a modern telephone system throughout the County.
Remodeled the data processing center with an upgrade to the County’s entire computer center.
Redesigned the Courthouse Square grounds to its original “look.”
Instituted a Hotel Tax in 1997.
Created and built a Visitors Center in 1998.
Built the Amphitheater on Montage Mountain, took over the operation of the Montage Mountain ski resort, and enhanced the development of the mountain’s overall economic landscape.
Sold season’s tickets in October 1984 in conjunction with Northeast Baseball as a prelude to beginning the return of baseball to our area.
Established the Stadium Authority in 1985.
Secured a minor league Triple A Baseball franchise in 1987.
Unveiled designs in 1986 and built the crown jewel, building the Lackawanna County Multi-Purpose Stadium, now PNC Field, which opened on April 26, 1989. This ended an over 35-year absence of minor league baseball in our community.
Transportation was another major highlight and included:
Saving the railroads through the creation of the Lackawanna County Railroad Authority.
Opening both the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour and the Trolley Museum and reopening the Laurel Line Tunnel Electric Trolley Excursion.
Funding the start-up of the Steamtown National Historic Site.
Serving in the initial development of The Robert P. Casey Highway.
Human Services were also strengthened under his watch:
Reorganized the entire system to departmentalize various function/categories for more effective delivery of services.
Revamped and strengthened the County’s Nursing Home’s operation.
Built and established the Alzheimer’s wing at the Nursing Home in the early nineties as a means of providing additional top-flight care for families.
Established a state-of-the-art/enhanced 911 Communications Center that improved services with area hospitals.
Commissioner Alberigi was a Retired Colonel in the U.S. Marines Corps, served in the Marines Reserves, lettered in football at Penn State University, was the County Prothonotary (Clerk of Judicial Records) from 1965-1977. His work throughout the County was recognized with several local, state, and national awards.
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