PITTSBURGH -- Many of you invited him into your living room every day. Mister Rogers' show was produced here locally at WQED, but it aired around the nation.

Remembering Mister Rogers Who Is Mister Rogers? Mister Rogers Dies At 74 Mr. McFeely Remembers Rogers WQED News Conference On Fred Rogers Slideshow Mister Rogers' Biography Share Your Thoughts / Offer Condolences Tips For Parents On Dealing With Mister Rogers' Death What You Need To Know About Stomach Cancer Mister Rogers' Web Site

Millions of children considered him their neighbor. Thursday morning, the man behind "Mister Rogers Neighborhood" has passed away.

Fred Rogers died around 2 a.m. Thursday at his home here in Pittsburgh after a bout with stomach cancer.

He had been diagnosed sometime after the holiday season. He was 74.

He was born in 1928 in Latrobe, Westmoreland County.

In 1963, Rogers was ordained as a Presbyterian minister.

In 1968 the first "Mister Rogers" show aired on PBS. The final show aired in Aug. 2001.

And in July of last year, Rogers was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

President Bush awarded the medal for Rogers' lifetime of service to children and families.

The passing of Rogers is touching the lives of so many people across our state and the nation.

Gov. Ed Rendell released this statement:

"Today, our state has lost a great role model and our country has lost one of history's greatest teachers. We should be mindful, though, that during his 74 year life, Mister Rogers helped instill values in America's children that will affect our nation for decades to come."

Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy also had a statement on the passing of Rogers:

"Today is a sad day for all of us, as our country lost a national treasure and Pittsburgh lost a close friend and neighbor."

Fred Rogers is survived by a wife, two sons, and two grandsons.

If you'd like to send cards or flowers to the Rogers family, send them to:

Family Communications, Inc.
4802 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Everybody around the city of Pittsburgh is talking about Mister Rogers and his legacy. Here is what some area residents had to say about his passing:

Wayne Dickerson, North Hills: "What I remember most about him is the train and him singing."

Sal Haberberger, Jeannette: "I guess those shoes, the sneakers. In fact, I bought a couple pair of them in college."

Barbara Pace, Pittsburgh: "His love, his compassion, his genuineness."

Chris Corbinsvac, Hampton: "His calmness, his gentleness. He was great for kids."

Paul Lance, Pittsburgh: "Anywhere you'd go in the country, they would always think of Mister Rogers as a piece of Pittsburgh. It gave me a bit of pride."