Mayor Loses Battle With Cancer

Friday evening, Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor passed away from a rare form of cancer, leaving City Council President Luke Ravenstahl to become the new mayor.

Funeral Arrangement Details

The following statement was released shortly after O'Connor's passing:

It is with deepest regret and great sorrow we announce the passing of Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor today of complications from primary central nervous system lymphoma at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, UPMC Shadyside. Mayor O'Connor was 61.

Bob O'Connor, the 58th mayor of Pittsburgh, was sworn in on January 3, 2006. A true son of Pittsburgh, the Mayor possessed a combination of boundless enthusiasm, charm, unlimited energy and the highest integrity. He was widely recognized and popular for his ability to bring people together, from all walks of life, on issues vital to building a robust and vibrant Pittsburgh. His life and career celebrated Pittsburgh's unique diversity.

During his term, Mayor Bob O'Connor championed the people and attractions of his city, spearheading initiatives designed to put Pittsburgh's people and neighborhoods first. Mayor O'Connor focused on making his town the cleanest and safest city in America. Residential growth, improved service delivery, professional management of government and fiscal responsibility were the foundations of O'Connor's administration.

Mr. O'Connor was born in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Greenfield on December 9, 1944. He was a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, making Squirrel Hill his home for the past 41 years. Despite his selfless and extraordinary dedication to the City of Pittsburgh, Mr. O'Connor's work did not interfere with his devotion to his family and faith.

He is survived by his wife, Judy O'Connor; daughter Heidy Garth, son-in-law Richard and their daughters Kennedy, McKenzie and Delaney, son Fr. Terry O'Connor; and son Corey O'Connor.

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato’s Statement On The Passing Of Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor: "Today, our region lost a great man and a visionary leader, and I lost a dear friend and confidant. Bob O'Connor and I began our political careers on the same day, when we were sworn in as members of Pittsburgh City Council. From that day on, our friendship grew and strengthened, and we became partners in governing. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Judy, his children, Heidy, Father Terry and Corey, and the entire O'Connor family during this difficult time."

Luke Ravenstahl, 59th Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh Comments On Passing Of Mayor: "It is difficult to find the proper words to express my emotions at this time. Today is a day of great sorrow and grief for the entire City of Pittsburgh. Bob O'Connor is a beloved friend and colleague and his words and deeds will serve as a model to my tenure as Mayor. I ask all of Pittsburgh to join Judy O'Connor and the O'Connor family in our time of grief and offer prayers and support as we mourn Bob's passing and celebrate his life and career of helping others. To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose. The time will come for Pittsburgh to continue on with our mission. Now is the time for us to look back and reflect on what Mayor Bob O'Connor has meant to Pittsburgh. God bless the O'Connor family and God bless Pittsburgh."

Ravenstahl was sworn in as mayor around 10:30 p.m. Friday.

Previous Stories: September 1, 2006: Luke Ravenstahl Takes Over As Mayor September 1, 2006: Mayor's Condition Now Hour-To-Hour August 31, 2006: Pittsburgh Waits For Update On Mayor's Condition August 30, 2006: O'Connor Remains In Intensive Care August 29, 2006: O'Connor Undergoes Surgery Again August 25, 2006: Bracelets Honoring Mayor Sell Out August 23, 2006: Pittsburgh Offers Get Well Banner For Mayor August 22, 2006: Citywide Prayer Service Held For Mayor August 21, 2006: Mayor Begins New Cancer Treatment August 18, 2006: O'Connor Receives More Radiation August 17, 2006: O'Connor Begins Brain Radiation August 16, 2006: Mayor O'Connor's Doctors Change Course Of Treatment August 14, 2006: Doctors: Mayor O'Connor Regaining Strength August 11, 2006: Mayor O'Connor Becoming More Alert August 9, 2006: Mayor Resting After 3rd Chemo Treatment August 7, 2006: Deputy Mayor Named For Pittsburgh August 7, 2006: Former Mayoral Candidate Faces Ethnic Intimidation Charges August 6, 2006: Mayor O'Conner Undergoes Surgery August 2, 2006: O'Connor To Remain In Hospital August 1, 2006: No Plans For O'Connor's Release From Hospital July 28, 2006: Doctors Update Mayor O'Connor's Condition