Struthers mayor had two full careers

STRUTHERS — “I love this city,” said outgoing Mayor Daniel C. Mamula, looking around his City Hall office, the walls mostly bare of the maps and plaques and photos accumulated during 16 years in office.

“I love the people. They are tough and gritty. Despite the controversies and squabbles, it’s family,” said Mamula, who moved here in 1969 from Lowellville. He started teaching at Struthers High School in 1965.

Since then, Mamula, 64, has had two full careers: 31 years as a teacher, retiring in 1996; and 26 years as an elected official, starting when he was elected to an at-large seat on council in 1979.

He subsequently was elected council president before winning the mayor’s seat, which he held for an unprecedented four terms.

While he was finishing cleaning out his office during the final week in office, Mamula said that despite his long tenure as an elected public official, he still thinks of himself primarily as a teacher.

For more, read Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com