Retiring Hanover Township (Norco) supervisor John Diacogiannis was recognized with a variety of tributes at the board of supervisors meeting Nov. 25.

The board proclaimed the week of Dec. 15, 2025, as “John N. Diacogiannis Week,” presented him with a ceremonial key to the township and a retirement plaque, and announced that a presently unnamed access road would be named Diacogiannis Drive.

Diacogiannis’ tenure with the township began as a member of the Hanover planning commission in 1979. His 40-year run as supervisor included a term as the board chair from 2006 to 2021.

State Rep. Steve Samuelson (D-135th District) delivered a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, highlighted Diacogiannis’ community service throughout the region, and described how noteworthy it is to hold an elected office for 40 years.

“Out in Harrisburg, our longest serving representative is Bob Freeman from Easton, who’s been in office for 39 years. We don’t have anybody who’s been in office for 40 years. We are so thankful and proud of everything you’ve done for your friends, for your neighbors, for the greater community and for the whole Lehigh Valley,” he said.

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure kicked off the recognition by presenting a proclamation praising Diacogiannis’s “unwavering commitment to the well-being and growth of the community” and his role in “responsible governance, fiscal stewardship, and policies that have enhanced the quality of life for residents.”

McClure, who is in his final days in office, said that Diacogiannis will leave “a lasting legacy of public service and community progress that will endure for generations.”

Former township supervisor Jay Finnigan said, “All your actions were centered around the residents, business community, visitors, and township employees. Your actions were not dictated by political party, but what was best for all involved. Over the years, when someone was irate and demanded an immediate answer, you always politely said, ‘Thanks for your input.’ It validated the individual’s concerns without a confrontational response.”

Finnigan also shared a personal story of Diacogiannis asking to meet him at his house for marital advice. It ended up being a ruse to surprise Finnigan on his birthday with a procession of township fire, police and EMS vehicles.

Board chair Susan Lawless credited Diacogiannis for shaping the township into a “much sought after residential hamlet.” She highlighted his dedication to the annual breakfast with the Easter Bunny event, his role in the founding of the Colonial Regional Police Department, and for casting “the deciding and difficult yes vote” to build the township pool complex.

Speaking of the community center pool, township manager Mark Hudson’s report mentioned that the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors recognized the pool complex with an Excellence in Construction award.

The meeting’s unusually ceremonial mood also featured a proclamation honoring the township’s ages 8-10 Little League all-star baseball team, which went 16-1 on the season and culminated with a Mid-Atlantic regional championship.

Diacogiannis’ final meeting as township supervisor will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at the township building, 3630 Jacksonville Road.