Unearthing The Undead 39 - ED VACCARI

Ed Vaccari was a member of Sheriff McClelland's posse in "Night of the Living Dead".  He can be seen often near the Sheriff (George Kosana) at the end of the film, and has a good close-up during the TV news segment.

Ed was born in Clairton, PA and was the former manager of Clairton Hardware.  In 1980 he opened up Tackle Unlimited Repair in Clairton, a fishing supply and specialty shop after years of selling bait in  the hardware store.  He was often interviewed in the local Pittsburgh papers with fishing tips.  

He retired and closed the Tackle Repair Shop in 2018 and his son eventually re-opened it as Joe's Tackle Unlimited that same year in West Newton.

Ed was also noted for his generosity.  In 2007 when interviewed by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, learning that the newspaper needed bait for a children's fishing event, he said "Put your money away, these

are on me.  Any time you're doing anything for kids you come to me and I'll supply the bait." He also requested his name and shop not be credited with the donation.  When he closed the shop, he donated

enough bait for the Post-Gazette Family Fishing events through the rest of the year.

He was also a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Finleyville and served in the U.S. Army Reserves.  He also was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen Club.

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Researched and compiled by John Vullo

Text and photos  © Image Ten, Inc.

If you know of any family, friends or acquaintances that appeared as extras in the original Night of the Living Dead, please contact John Vullo at jmv3683@gmail.com

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