Michael A Cantelmo
Cliff, it's been a long time since 1979, and I haven't seen you since, but I hope you know, wherever you are, how much I appreciate the effort and good work you provided to help us keep that old coke plant equipment held together and getting the new one working. No matter how greasy, or dirty the site was or how cold or hot or soaking wet the day was, you were there with your lead and rods to make sure the crews kept safe and got their ovens and kept the plant alive. It has been guys like you, trudging through the mud an snow just doing what they do best that kept the spirit of the steel industry alive in this area. With all remnances of the steel business gone in this area, the new (1980) coke plant is still working , 38 years old, and making clouds down on South Main street. When ever I look to the south and see a new cloud form about every 8 minutes from the quench station, I remember the days and the spirit of all the guys who keep the cloud making steady. Thanks, Cliff, you were a big part of that effort for so many years. Part of your spirit rises with each of those clouds from South Main every 8 - 10 minutes, every hour, every day, every night, until the coal stops coming.
Mike Cantelmo