09/13/2026
Borough of Donora Honors Local History and Distinguished Donora Dragons During Palmer Park Dedication Ceremony
DONORA, PA — September 11, 2026 — The Borough of Donora marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a special ceremony at Palmer Park honoring the memory of a Donora native lost on 9/11, while also dedicating and rededicating several park landmarks in recognition of distinguished individuals whose lives and accomplishments have contributed to the proud history of the Donora community.
The ceremony, held during the year of America’s 250th anniversary, brought together Borough officials, residents, family members, and guests to remember the past while ensuring that the legacies of several outstanding Donora Dragons will be preserved for future generations.
Larry Senko Donora Heritage Walking Trail
As part of the ceremony, the Borough officially rededicated the walking trail at Palmer Park as the Larry Senko Donora Heritage Walking Trail, in memory of Donora native Larry Senko, who perished during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks 25 years ago.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Senko was working in his office on the 102nd floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center when the terrorist attacks occurred.
Members of the Senko family were present for the dedication ceremony as the Borough paid tribute to his life and memory.
By permanently placing his name upon the trail, the Borough seeks to ensure that future generations remember not only the tragedy of September 11, 2001, but also the life of a member of the Donora community who was among those lost that day.
Deacon Dan Towler Pavilion
The Borough also dedicated a new pavilion at Palmer Park in memory of Deacon Dan Towler, a standout Donora Dragons football player who went on to an outstanding professional career in the National Football League with the Los Angeles Rams.
Born in Donora on March 6, 1928, Towler graduated from Donora High School in 1946 before attending Washington & Jefferson College. His athletic ability eventually took him to the NFL, where he became one of the league’s premier running backs of his era.
Following his retirement from professional football after the 1955 season, Towler devoted his life to ministry and served as a pastor in Pasadena, California.
Representing the Towler family during the Palmer Park dedication was his niece, Anita Towler Burton, a current resident of the Borough of Donora.
The pavilion now stands as a permanent tribute to a Donora Dragon whose accomplishments extended well beyond the football field and into a lifetime of faith and service.
Robert D. “Bob” Megla RC Airfield
The Borough also officially renamed and rededicated the Donora radio-controlled airfield as the Robert D. “Bob” Megla RC Airfield, honoring a longtime Donora resident whose dedication and volunteer service have played an important role in Palmer Park's development.
Now 85 years old and still residing in Donora, Bob Megla has spent many years helping preserve and improve Palmer Park as a recreational asset for residents and visitors.
Throughout the years, Megla donated plumbing and electrical materials and, equally important, volunteered countless hours of his own time toward the construction and improvement of numerous pavilions and other landmarks that remain part of Palmer Park today.
Megla also served as President of the Donora Radio Controlled Airplane Club and was instrumental in supporting and maintaining the airfield and the recreational opportunities it provides.
In recognition of his years of service and commitment to Palmer Park and the Donora community, the Borough determined it fitting that the airfield permanently bear his name.
Honorable Reggie B. Walton Pavilion
Formerly known simply as Pavilion #1, one of Palmer Park's primary pavilions has been officially renamed the Honorable Reggie B. Walton Pavilion, recognizing one of Donora's most distinguished natives and an accomplished member of the federal judiciary.
The Honorable Reggie B. Walton was born in Donora on February 8, 1949, and graduated from Donora High School with the Class of 1967.
Following high school, Walton attended West Virginia State University, where he lettered for three years in football and played on the school's nationally ranked 1968 conference championship team. During his senior year, he also served as Chief Justice of the Student Court.
After graduating in 1971, Walton earned his Juris Doctor from the American University Washington College of Law in 1974 and began what would become a distinguished career in public service and the law.
Over the course of his career, Judge Walton served in numerous positions within the judicial and executive branches of government, including as an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney, Associate Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and Senior White House Advisor for Crime.
He became a United States District Judge for the District of Columbia in 2001. His judicial service also included an appointment to the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, where he later served as Presiding Judge.
Judge Walton has received numerous local, national, and international honors throughout his career. Beyond his work on the bench, he has remained committed to educating and mentoring young people, emphasizing personal responsibility, education, and avoiding the dangers of drugs and crime.
The Borough's dedication of the Honorable Reggie B. Walton Pavilion recognizes a Donora native whose accomplishments in law and public service have carried the Donora name throughout the nation.
Dr. Charles E. Stacey Pavilion
Palmer Park's former Pavilion #2 has also been renamed the Dr. Charles E. Stacey Pavilion, posthumously honoring a lifelong educator and Donora native whose service to the community spanned generations.
Dr. Charles E. “Chuck” Stacey was born in Donora on November 24, 1931, and spent much of his life on McKean Avenue, only blocks from Donora's former steel and zinc mills.
As a high school senior, Stacey experienced the historic 1948 Donora Smog firsthand. His father, Charles Stacey, was President of the Donora Board of Health at the time, giving the family a particularly close connection to one of the most significant events in Donora's history.
After graduating from Donora High School in 1949, Stacey attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his bachelor's degree in History and Education. He later returned to his hometown and began teaching History and English at Donora High School, influencing generations of students.
Following the creation of the Ringgold School District, Stacey continued his career in education, earning his master's degree and doctorate and eventually serving as a principal and Superintendent.
His commitment to education continued beyond the local school district when he spent seven years as Chairman of the Education Department at Carlow College while continuing to teach.
Dr. Stacey's service extended far beyond the classroom. He served on the Donora Public Library Board and numerous other boards and organizations throughout the Mon Valley, including the Donora Historical Society.
The Dr. Charles E. Stacey Pavilion now serves as a permanent tribute to an educator, historian, community leader, and lifelong Donora Dragon whose influence continues to be felt throughout the community.
Preserving Donora's Legacy
The September 11 ceremony was about remembrance, gratitude, community, and legacy.
On the 25th anniversary of one of the most tragic days in American history, the Borough of Donora remembered Larry Senko, a member of the Donora community whose life was lost on September 11, 2001.
At the same time, the Borough recognized individuals whose accomplishments in athletics, education, public service, volunteerism, faith, and community leadership represent the proud tradition of the Donora Dragons and Donora's historic reputation as the “Home of Champions.”
Through the dedication of the Larry Senko Donora Heritage Walking Trail, Deacon Dan Towler Pavilion, Robert D. “Bob” Megla R/C Airfield, Honorable Reggie B. Walton Pavilion, and Dr. Charles E. Stacey Pavilion, their names and contributions will remain permanently connected to Palmer Park and the Borough of Donora.
These landmarks will serve not only as recreational amenities, but also as lasting reminders of the people whose lives, accomplishments, service, and sacrifices have helped shape the history and identity of Donora.
