Daniel J. Gildea has been appointed acting postmaster of Coaldale. He replaces James “Tad” Donahue who died Oct. 25 after serving as postmaster for 27 years.

Gildea was installed last evening by J.G. Duilard of Pottsville, area postal inspector. He will serve in the capacity until he completes a Civil Service examination and his appointment is confirmed by the U.S. Senate and President Kennedy.

A son of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Gildea, a graduate of St. Mary’s Catholic High School of Georgetown University, Gildea formerly served as assistant to the executive director of the Private Carrier Conference of the American Trucking Association in Washington, D.C.