MAHONING VALLEY, Ohio - Carl Nunziato's story is one of sacrifice, resilience, and advocacy that helped reshaped the Mahoning Valley.

The Boardman native lost both of his legs while serving in Vietnam. After spending more than two years recovering at Walter Reed Hospital, he came home determined to turn his personal loss into a mission to help others.

He graduated from law school and used his skills to fight for disability rights for people and veterans across the Valley.

Nunziato’s advocacy left a visible mark on the Valley. He played a significant role in the Mahoning County Courthouse's construction of a wheelchair ramp. 

"Loyal, passionate, caring," is how Nunziato's friend and colleague, Mike Iberis, executive director of the Second Harvest Food Bank, described him. 

Another friend, Chet Amedia, Second Harvest Food Bank board member, pointed to Nunziato's generosity. Describing the Vietnam vet as a "patriot, concerned citizen, and advocate."

Qualities that carried Nunziato through decades of community leadership, including 25 years on the board of Second Harvest Food Bank.

"He always brings to the fore the fact that people who have a disability and need to have access and make us remember those who are less fortunate than us," Amedia said. 

His legacy is honored across the area , from the YSU Veterans Resource Center that bears his name to the VA clinic on Belmont Avenue.

Though health issues now keep him homebound, his impact continues to ripple outward through the people he helped, the access he fought for, and the hope he inspired.

"He was always there to counsel other vets and many, many people [who] weren't vets. He is about caring," Iberis said.

If you know of someone who is making a difference in the Shenango or Mahoning Valleys, send an email to LHuff@wfmj.com, and they could be 21 News' next Changemaker.