When Dr. Joseph Angelo was 8 years old, his father offered him a piece of advice.

"If you want to be happy in this life, spend it making someone else happy."

Angelo took the wise counsel to heart.

The Indiana County man received this year’s Catholic Charities’ Communities of Salt and Light award for humanitarianism.

Angelo was extolled as a tireless advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for more than 40 years and for improving the quality of life for a once marginalized segment of society.

"We see in Joe Angelo an example of discipleship, compassion, care, love and advocacy," said Msgr. Raymond E. Riffle, managing director of Catholic Charities.

Angelo, a parishioner of St. Thomas More University Parish in Indiana and a former mathematics professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, is a longtime member and one of the founders of the Indiana county chapter of The Arc, an advocacy group that promotes and protects the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has served as president at the local and state levels and continues to serve as a board member for both.

Angelo’s inspiration to work on behalf of people with disabilities began 38 years ago with the birth of his youngest son, John, who was born with Down syndrome. Together with John, he gives local and national presentations to help people understand that individuals with intellectual disabilities should never be stereotyped.

Angelo has given testimony before legislature, consulted with the governor’s office to secure adequate funding for community-based programs and services, been on the forefront to close state institutions and move to community-based care, and advocated for the inclusion of intellectually disabled students into a regular classroom.

"The fruits of this labor can be seen in many communities and in almost every school district in the state," Msgr. Riffle said.

He said Angelo speaks honestly about his personal struggle after learning that John had Down syndrome, and how he came to see his special child not as a burden but as a gift from God.

"In answering Christ’s call to reach out to those in need, Joe is a living testament that how we as Christians can find in the darkest moments of our life that blessing that we need to, not only help us through our times of difficulty, but be God’s hands, feet and voice in places where God is needed most," Msgr. Riffle said.

Angelo extended thanks to Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt, Bishop Emeritus Anthony G. Bosco, Msgr. Riffle, Judy Modecki, director of coordinated services and development, and Catholic Charities.

"I can’t express to you how grateful I am for this honor," Angelo humbly said, noting with a gentle laugh that his acceptance notes had gotten sealed inside their envelope from perspiration.

He said there were many people to thank, but he would cite a few.

Angelo upheld his wife of 52 years, Shirley, as his "best friend" and "love of my life" who has encouraged and supported him in all things since they became one.

"She has become my true partner in my work, and I’m accepting this award for both of us," he said.

Referring to his son John as the "caboose" of their seven children," Angelo said he’s taught him so much about love, patience, kindness, courage and giving.

"John has been an exemplary steward of the gifts that he was given," Angelo said. "And he taught me to look at what people with disabilities can do — rather than what they can’t do."

He thanked his 7 children who have each espoused a life of service to others and passed this dedication along to Angelo’s 22 grandchildren. He praised his parents for modeling a life of service, his parish and pastor Father William J. Lechnar for their generosity toward others, and The Arc of Indiana, Westmoreland and Allegheny counties for their steadfast support, which has enabled him to serve as a better advocate. He commended volunteers who work on behalf of including the disabled in society and thanked everyone he’s served, from people with disabilities to those in nursing homes or confined to their home.

"They are my inspirational teachers," Angelo said.

"My final thank you goes to Jesus Christ our Lord … who with God the Father and the Holy Spirit gives us all that we need," he said.