Local 17 Family Pays It Forward
- Tony Papa with his daughter Kara
- Tony Papa on his boat Eight Days A Week
We’re in tough times, and solidarity is more important than ever. We’re continuing to stand up and support each other, no matter what. That’s who we are at Local 17.
So it’s no surprise that one Local 17 family recently stepped up in a big way.
This year, the Papa family established a scholarship fund in honor of longtime Local 17 member Tony Papa, who was a foreman at Walsh Mechanical in Abington, MA.
With COVID-19 surging and leaving members out of work, Tony’s wife Mary Ellen and daughter Kara allocated this year’s funds to award eight $500 scholarships to Local 17 apprentices who need an extra boost.
Kara noted that her father would have applauded the decision; he was temporarily laid off in 1991.
“We’re glad to be able to lend a hand,” said Kara. “I know it’s exactly what my dad would want.”
At Local 17, we always look out for each other. We’re proud to count Tony Papa among one of the greats, and we’re grateful to his family for upholding his legacy and paying it forward.