Mr. Chris DeNardo was reared in Wind Gap and graduated from Pen Argyl High School in 1980. There he played both football and basketball for the Green Knights.

His grandfather worked in the Dally Slate Quarry. Chris's father was a butcher at Blue Valley Meat Market.

Chris started his cement career at Hercules Buzzi-UniCEM in 1981 at the age of 18.

"I was hired as a laborer and spent 10 years in the plant performing various jobs," he says. "I love equipment and was fortunate to be assigned to the quarry."

Two of his early mentors were Russ Powell and Fritz Engler. One of his supervisors was Danny Schlegel, a former fine student of this writer.

The quarry operates two shifts. A giant loader capable of lifting 25 tons feeds two 75-ton trucks. They move massive amounts of cement rock each day.

Chris and the workers are multitalented in the operation of all the quarry equipment.

"The geology of the quarry and winter conditions are very challenging but we stress safety and shutdowns are rare," DeNardo states.

He works with a great team of co-workers: Robert Raub, Bob Rebmann, David Souders, Dale Schreck, Ed Krutsick, Lloyd Pittenger, "Butch" Post Jr., Bruce Shorkey and supervisor Guy Schwartz.

"I enjoy my job, time goes fast because we are constantly busy," he says. "Ten men efficiently man two quarry shifts."

Chris is proud of companion Laura Lynch, daughter Mia, a Dunn & Bradstreet employee, and son Alex, a student at Pennsylvania State University.

DeNardo has spent 23 of his 33 years at the plant in the quarry, working closely with a dedicated group of men.

He brings his amiable personality and work ethic to the Stockertown plant each day.

In his spare time you can find him on a local golf course.

I wish Chris and all my friends at Buzzi-UniCEM a safe and prosperous year and hope to return to honor two more workers next year.