By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Former Allegheny County Council President and At-Large Member John DeFazio has died.
READ MORE: Gov. Tom Wolf Orders U.S., Commonwealth Flags To Half-Staff For Former Vice President Walter MondaleAllegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald ordered all county flags to half-mast and expressed his condolences to DeFazio’s friends and family.
“It’s hard for me to believe that John has passed. He was a larger-than-life presence. Those of us that knew him saw his reputation as a tough athlete and former pro-wrestler but knew that ‘Jumping Johnny’ had a heart of gold when it came to caring for his family, friends, and community,” Fitzgerald’s statement said in part.
John was the smartest guy on Council. He never took a wrong vote. He saw the big picture. He was the captain of the team and was the person that we all went to when struggling with issues and votes before the body.
He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Wtk0rjo7WH
READ MORE: EU Regulator Finds Possible Link Between J&J Vaccine And Blood Clots, But Says Benefits Outweigh Risks— Allegheny Co. Exec. (@ACE_Fitzgerald) February 26, 2021
Council President Pat Catena also issued a statement, expressing condolences on behalf of the entire council.
DeFazio was part of the inaugural County Council and served as its first president.
MORE NEWS: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: State Health Department Reports 4,577 New Coronavirus Cases, 77 More Deaths“John was the smartest guy on Council. He never took a wrong vote. He saw the big picture. He was the captain of the team and was the person that we all went to when struggling with issues and votes before the body,” said Fitzgerald.