PITTSBURGH -- Heinz Hall was transformed into Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Saturday, as those who knew him and those who admired him celebrated Rogers' life and legacy through a memorial service of music, speeches and videos.
Rogers died of stomach cancer on February 27, but his funeral two days later was private. Family Communications, the Pittsburgh company that produced "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" organized the gathering.
It became clear through Saturday's tributes that Rogers continues to touch the lives of fans and friends.
"Fred was the godfather to my son Christopher, good friend to my late husband ... very good friend of mine," Teresa Heinz, of Family Communications, said.
There were tears, but also laughter and touching moments.
Jeff Erlanger, of Wisconsin -- who became a lifelong friend of Mister Rogers after appearing on the show in the '70s -- reminisced about how Rogers taught him to have confidence despite his disability.
"He taught me the way to handle my life … deal with the things you deal with," Erlanger said.
About 2,000 people packed the audience, which was filled with families and children -- generations of fans who found some closure by attending the memorial.
"I wanted to do something and finally ... it's over. He's greatly missed," fan Jackson Nunn said.
"The service today … if you didn't have tear in the eye, you're not human." County Executive Jim Roddey said.
Fred Rogers was remembered as a true treasure -- a gift to children of all ages.
"Fred Rogers we love you just the way you are," PBS President Pat Mitchell said.
Although Rogers has won Emmys and other accolades for his long-running children's show, his son, John, defined his father's success by quoting poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson.
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children ... This is the meaning of success."
If you would like to send a donation in the memory of Mister Rogers, mail to:
Fred Rogers Fund
Care of Family Communications
4802 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
If you missed Saturday's memorial service, it will replay on the Pittsburgh Cable News Channel at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Copyright 2003 by Wpxi.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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