Catchfence

PITTSTON, PA (wvia) October 26, 2009 – WVIA announces Dr. Joseph Mattioli as the 2009 Great Pennsylvanian. To celebrate WVIA-TV will premiere a new biographical film, Dr. Joseph Mattioli: Always Moving Forward, on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. on WVIA-TV. It will also be shown in the Abeloff Theater on the East Stroudsburg University campus that night. Dr. Mattioli is the sixth Great Pennsylvanian in WVIA’s original series.

The impact of Dr. Joseph Mattioli’s Pocono Raceway has gone far beyond the world of auto racing to become an economic and social center of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains region. Dr. Joseph Mattioli: Always Moving Forward is a one-hour WVIA original documentary film celebrating the life and accomplishments of Dr. Joseph Mattioli, from his humble beginnings in the rural coal regions of Northeastern Pennsylvania to becoming an incredible businessman, all the while living life by two rules: always do what you love and always move forward.

“Doc” Mattioli and his wife and partner Dr. Rose’s all-or-nothing entry into the world of auto racing in the late 60s and early 70s would dovetail with the rise of NASCAR, a phenomenon that would bring drivers and fans closer together than racing ever had before, and help make Pocono Raceway “The Daytona of the North.”

Prior to “Doc” Mattioli and Dr. Rose overseeing the turbulent birth and growth of Pocono International Raceway into one of the most successful racing and entertainment venues in the country, “Doc” went through various careers such as farmhand, railroad worker, road builder, dancer (almost), Marine medic, and dentist. “Doc” is a first-generation Italian American who is a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather.

The Mattioli family’s philanthropic efforts in education and health care continue to improve the lives of everyone they touch. “Doc” has never stopped re-investing in the racetrack, nor has he ever stopped improving the lives of the people around him.

Dr. Joseph Mattioli: Always Moving Forward is the sixth in the Great Pennsylvanians series produced by WVIA Public Media to recognize individuals from northeastern Pennsylvania whose achievements bring honor to all Americans and who are models for young people. Previous documentaries presented the life stories of former Governor William Warren Scranton, United States Federal Judges Max Rosenn and William J. Nealon, Monsignor Andrew McGowan and Pennsylvania Ballet founder Barbara Weisberger.

It will premiere on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. on WVIA-TV It will then rebroadcast Nov. 5 at 8 p.m., Nov. 8 at 2 p.m., Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. on WVIA-TV. Learn more, wvia.org

Watch the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOcospmONV0&feature=player_profilepage

- Pocono Raceway, Press Release