Rep. Mike Vereb (R-150) held a press conference on Monday afternoon, releasing details about the a Pennsylvania Turnpike employee killed in a tragic crash involving an overturned box truck on the turnpike in Plymouth Meeting earlier in the morning.
The Turnpike employee is identified as Michael San Felice, 66, of West Norriton Township.
According to an earlier Patch report, San Felice was conducting routine maintenance on the side of the road when the crash occurred around 8:30 a.m.
At the press conference, Vereb was accompanied by surviving members of San Felice’s family, including his two daughters, Joyce Ronan and Monica Spataccino. Further surviving members of San Felice’s family include his wife of 43 years, Kathleen, as well as their three grandchildren.
“And if anyone knew Mike, his life was about his three grandchildren,” Vereb said.
Vereb said that San Felice has worked for the Pennsylvania Turnpike for the last 12 years as a mechanic, and most recently in the Turnpike’s highway division.
Prior to his work with the Turnpike, San Felice worked for the Case Equipment Company.
San Felice also served in the United States army from 1965 to 1967, serving a tour in Vietnam, where he earned numerous medals including Army Good Conduct, National Defense, Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign.
In recent years, San Felice has been an active member of the West Norriton community. He served as a director in the township’s Jefferson Fire Company, whose chief attended the press conference. He was a member of the company since 1985.
San Felice was also a member of the Frank C. Parker Jr. and Son American Legion Post 901 and West Norriton Township Civil Service Commission.
“Today, Pennsylvania, Montgomery County, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and our family here in West Norriton Township lost a strong leader, a dear friend,” Vereb said. “Mike will be greatly missed, and our hearts go out to his family during this trying time.”
Vereb further reported that an investigation is ongoing by Pennsylvania State Police.
According to news reports, the eastbound lanes of the Turnpike from Norristown to the Valley Forge exit were reopened around 4:20 p.m., after being closed since the crash.
