By Melissa Williams Schofield
SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC ACCENT

INDIANA — All Joseph Angelo ever wanted to do was God’s will, always avoiding the limelight.

But Angelo will be honored for his good works when he receives Catholic Charities’ Communities of Salt and Light Award for humanitarianism.

Angelo, a parishioner of St. Thomas More University Parish in Indiana and a retired mathematics professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, said he has strived to "be a good daddy, a good husband, and a good teacher."

He and his wife, Shirley, have been married for 52 years and have seven children. He is a cantor, a member of the choir and has been on parish pastoral council. He and his wife lead the rosary once a week at a local nursing home and are extraordinary ministers of holy Communion.

The Pittsburgh native is a longtime member of The Arc, an advocacy group for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. He and his son, John, 38, born with Down syndrome, are members of the Knights of Columbus at St. Bernard’s Council in Indiana. Together, they make presentations locally and nationally to show how people with intellectual disabilities should never be stereotyped.

"People should never let a person’s appearance determine what they can or cannot do," said Angelo, who said it’s because of John that he is receiving the award.

Angelo fought to close many state institutions where people were placed with intellectual disabilities in "horrible institutions in bad conditions." He advocated for them to be placed in group homes and helped establish the first group home in Indiana.

He strives to make the ‘r’ word obsolete.

"The word ‘retarded’ isn’t that bad. It just means slow. It’s how it’s used," Angelo said.

When John was born, Angelo said his wife told him they have a job to do. That became their ministry.

"John helps me to see gifts that people with disabilities have. John is amazing. He’s my best golf partner. John has had the same job at Gatti Pharmacy (in Indiana) since 1993."

Angelo is the founding board member of The Arc of Indiana County.

He has received many other honors, including outstanding professor honors from IUP.

Angelo said he humbly hopes others emulate what he does.

"When people try to do good work, they don’t do it to be recognized," he said.

Hollie and John Uccellini, parishioners of St. Thomas More University Parish who nominated Angelo, say his actions speak louder than words.

"When we grow up, Joe is how we want to be," Hollie said.

"Joe is the nicest man in the world, and he thinks what he has done isn’t anything remarkable. It’s just what you do. Living a good, Catholic life is what you are supposed to do is how he thinks," she said.

John, a math curriculum coordinator at Indiana School District, taught Angelo’s children. He and Angelo were on the first Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults team at their parish.

"Joe appreciated his faith journey, his sense of God and service. His work goes back to the parish when it started," John said.

Hollie, pastoral associate at Our Lady of Grace Parish, said Angelo’s son, Tom, recalls his dad being on television because of his involvement with the closing of institutions.

"Joe was always there with a kind word or advice. He and his wife, Shirley, go about doing all the right things all the time," she said.

"We are both very proud he is receiving the award. He’s very deserving. His kids think he is the most wonderful man in the world," John said.