3 New Trade Instructors Join Williamson Staff

When students begin fall semester classes on Aug. 31, there will be three new instructors ready to teach them their trade: Peter J. Zwolak 0W7, director of construction technology-masonry; Michael R. Neville 0W0, director of construction technology-carpenty; and John P. Capuzzi Jr. 0W2, adjunct assistant carpentry instructor.

Pete Zwolak 0W7

Pete Zwolak studied masonry at Williamson and began his career as a member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1, laying brick at D&G General Contractors, working at the Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square. He then was a bricklayer foreman for Phoenix Contractors of Media, working on numerous construction sites in Philadelphia, and a bricklayer at Premier Restoration of Erdenheim, Pa., where he worked on the Cooke School in Philadelphia.

As a Williamson student, Zwolak traveled with a Williamson group to the Dominican Republic to help construct a hospital and to provide aid to Bay St. Louis, Miss., after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, as a volunteer senior coordinator.

He earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration at Strayer University in Springfield, Pa., attending classes evenings. He coached basketball at the Catholic Youth League for eight years.

Zwolak said, “When I was standing on the line-up pad my first day as a student, I never thought I would be coming back and to be the instructor of masonry. When I graduated I couldn’t wait to get into the workforce and start using my trade skills that I learned at Williamson College of the Trades. As I was learning to perfect my trade in the field I was so grateful of my knowledge of the trades and I wanted to give other people this skill. The opportunity to come back and teach at the same institution that taught me was a great honor. Now I am the director of construction technology-masonry and I want to pass on the knowledge of the trade I gained over the years.”

Mike Neville 0W0

After studying carpentry at Williamson, Mike Neville worked as a commercial carpenter on high rise buildings in Philadelphia for Lakash Construction of Springfield.

After realizing he preferred woodworking and wood framing, he started his own general contracting business doing framing, finish work, fine woodwork, and cabinetry, which he has run for the last 15 years. He also enjoys designing and building custom furniture.

He has completed courses toward a degree in architecture.

Neville said, “I am excited about coming back to Williamson to teach students the things I learned here and through my experience in the field. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m looking forward to maintaining the proud tradition of the Williamson carpenter for years to come.”

John Capuzzi 0W2

John Capuzzi studied carpentry at Williamson and then worked as an assistant superintendent at Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.; an assistant superintendent at L.F. Driscoll Co.; and, for eight years, ran his own construction company, Capuzzi Construction, Consulting, and Development Co.

In 2010, he became tax collector and treasurer of Marple Township, Broomall, Pa., and tax collector of the Marple Newtown School District.

His volunteer activities include serving as treasurer and board member of Marple Newtown Swim Club; treasurer of the Delaware County Board of Fire and Life Safety; a member of Marple Township’s Park and Recreation advisory board; Marple Township’s Paxon Hollow Country Club advisory board; and an active and associate member of Broomall Fire Co.

He earned a bachelor of science degree in professional studies at Neumann University after completing engineering and education course work at Delaware County Community College.

Capuzzi said, “I am extremely excited about having the opportunity to come back to Williamson to help the students just as I was helped 17 years ago. I am looking forward to working with Mike Neville and the other staff. If I can give back a portion of the knowledge I received here I will be happy.”