North Hills Man Behind 'Mr. McFeely' Counts on Local Tailor for Iconic Costume

David Newell had just started getting comfortable with his part-time role as Mr. McFeely on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in the early 1970s when the show’s creator had a project for him.

Newell, who lives in the North Hills, had been using a somewhat mismatched delivery uniform he found on a costume rack in Pittsburgh and needed an upgrade with some pizzazz. So Fred Rogers asked the Speedy Delivery man to go on a field trip to find someone to create a new postal costume that could also be used in a segment on the show.

He settled on a Bridgeville tailor named Nino Petrocelli. Newell said he doesn’t remember how he found him, but the two have remained close ever since.

Petrocelli has made at least eight costumes over the years and altered two others.

“He was meticulous about getting it right,” Newell said. “He is very particular and speaks his mind. If he doesn’t like something, he’ll tell you.”

Petrocelli, who also is Bridgeville Borough Council president, still makes new costumes, measuring Newell and sewing the coats from scratch. Even when he doesn’t need new uniforms, Newell often finds himself in Bridgeville asking Petrocelli to sew new buttons on the jacket because the coat gets worn out during the countless appearances the character makes throughout the region and country.

“I’ve gone back to him ever since because he’s such a character and he knew the material and knew the buttons and I knew it would fit me,” Newell said.

Petrocelli brushed off the honor of making such a timeless costume, saying he does many designer suits for other notable people, but he still appreciates the friendship he’s made with Newell over the past 35 years or so.

“That’s his profession. He’s wonderful,” Petrocelli said. “He remains a good friend of mine. Lots of other people, off and on, but David is my friend.”

The care Petrocelli takes in his craft sometimes shows when the Speedy Delivery costume is brought in for repairs.

Newell still laughs about the time he accidentally left a child’s candy gift in his pocket and was scolded because it could have melted.

Petrocelli is very strict when it comes to upkeep.

“He has all of these directions for me,” Newell said.

While Newell does numerous appearances as Mr. McFeely, he’s really looking forward to a special showing of the documentary about his characters. “Speedy Delivery” will be shown March 23 at the Hollywood Theater in Dormont  to commemorate Fred Rogers’ birthday. The Bridgeville Public Library also has it available for checkout.

Petrocelli, who makes a few appearances in the documentary, said he hopes he can attend.

Newell doesn’t mind making the longer trip to Bridgeville because “it’s worth the drive for Nino.”

“He’s very particular and very proud of being a part of the program,” Newell said.