Linda DeCindio characterized her selection to fill the vacant supervisor’s position in Schuylkill Township as a “happy but also sad” occasion.

DeCindio, of Tuscarora, was named by the township supervisors to fill the post of Frank P. Thompson, who died Nov. 30 after a battle with melanoma.

A longtime volunteer in community activities for the township, DeCindio, 56, was chosen by Supervisors Joseph Boran and Maureen Vanek from among five applicants for the position.

Thompson was a prominent Republican committeeman in the township. DeCindio, a Democrat, was selected for the post despite Thompson’s brother, Dennis, contending a Republican should have been chosen.