With his induction to the Brooke High School Athletic Wall of Fame, Anthony “Tony” Paesano was recognized for his support of youth sports, especially the programs at Brooke High School, where he was head principal for 15 years.

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But Paesano was quick to point out that sports played a formative role in his youth and if not for them, he might not have achieved a 30 year career in education, during which he touched the lives of many.

The son of an Italian immigrant and Follansbee steelworker, Paesano said a football scholarship enabled him to attend Duquesne University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. The veteran educator said it was a chance encounter with All-American John Rokiski that helped him to become a walk-in player for the school.

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While playing football for the former Follansbee High School, he had been named All Valley Guard in 1946 and selected to play in the 1947 North-South gridiron game.

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Following graduation from Duquesne and two years of military service in Korea, he became a social studies teacher and coach, heading the football programs at St. Anthony, Canon-McMillan High School and Follansbee High School.

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Paesano said through sports he learned the importance of hard work and strived to impress that upon the youth he coached. 

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The veteran educator is known for his hard work not only in school but also as a public official and civic volunteer. His service has included 10 years as mayor of Follansbee and 25 years as president of the Follansbee Chamber of Commerce, leading local businesses and volunteers in supporting such causes as the Wounded Warrior Project and the Anderson Children’s Home. He also launched the Brooke County Schools Education Foundation, generating more than $1.2 million in scholarships for hundreds of Brooke graduates.