Uniontown veteran best known for role as master of ceremonies being remembered
Amanda Steen | Herald-Standard
Lou Giachetti
Ed Cope
Ed Cope Louis A. Giachetti, commader of the United War Veterans Association and master of ceremonies at Sylvan Heights Cemetery Memorial Day program, is the guest speaker for the program Monday at the cemetery.
A 66-year member and past commander of Uniontown American Legion Post 51, Louis A. Giachetti Sr. remained steadfast in his love for God, family and country as a man who wore many hats.
Giachetti, best known for his lengthy service as master of ceremonies for Memorial Day services at Sylvan Heights Cemetery, died Sunday at age 89.
Vince Giachetti, one of Giachetti’s three sons, described his father as a leader and a man of family traditions. “Most of the (military) groups he served with he was an officer or a commander,” said Giachetti. “Whatever group he was in he was an organizer.”
Giachetti also spent 20 years as a Uniontown police officer, retiring in 1979 and returning as a dispatcher and code enforcement officer for another 10 years.
According to Giachetti, his father enjoyed life and having a full house no matter the occasion. “My dad always had an open door. He would take anyone in,” said Vince Giachetti.
Giachetti recalled that spaghetti dinners each Sunday were especially important to his father. “You never left hungry,” Vince Giachetti added.
Rob Doria, post commander, said Giachetti served as his deputy when he was district commander. “If there was any Legion function, Lou was front and center with it, there’s no doubt about it,” said Doria.
A decorated veteran, Giachetti served in World War II and the Korean Conflict and was a three-time commander of Post 51, which organized the city’s first Americanism Day parade in 1934.
He was also a parade marshall of the Americanism Day, Veterans Day and Halloween parades for 45 years.
An active member of numerous military organizations, Giachetti’s service included several terms as commander of the American Legion Fayette County, past deputy commander of American Legion 24th District, member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 47 Uniontown, now resolved, life member of AMVETS Post 103 Military Honor Guard, Catholic War Veterans Post 1669, life member of the Knights of Columbus Albert Gallatin Assembly 4th Degree Sir Knight and 12-year commander of United War Veterans Association, past worthy president of Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 55.
Friends will be received in the Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home Inc., 603 North Gallatin Avenue Extension, Uniontown, today from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and Friday, until 8:45 a.m. when he will be remembered in Eulogy. Prayers of transfer will follow at 9:15 a.m. with a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Saint Therese de Lisieux Roman Catholic Church, 61 Mill St., Uniontown with Monsignor Michael W. Matusak, V.F., as Celebrant.
Interment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery, Connellsville.
In his memory, contributions can be made to any local veterans’ organizations of choice.