Local, Statewide Tributes Continue for Gergely

Governor orders flags lowered to half-staff; speaker to call special election

By Jason Togyer
The Tube City Almanac
January 20, 2025
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

State Rep. Matt Gergely speaks to visitors during a 2023 grand opening celebration of his district office in the former McKeesport Daily News Building. (Courtesy photo)

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Monday ordered the flags over state-owned buildings lowered to half-staff in honor of state Rep. Matt Gergely, who died Sunday at an area hospital following an undisclosed illness.

Gergely, 45, of McKeesport’s Haler Heights section fell ill unexpectedly in late December. He had represented the 35th Legislative District since 2023.

“Lori and I are heartbroken for Rep. Matt Gergely’s wife Holly, their two young sons, his colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the community he loved and proudly served in his hometown of McKeesport,” Shapiro said in a prepared release. “Matt’s was a life cut way too short. Now, in this moment of mourning, let us come together to honor his legacy, carry on the work that mattered most to him, and look out for his family ...

“May the memory of Matt Gergely forever be a blessing,” Shapiro said.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signs House Bill 1795 into law as State Rep. Matt Gergely looks on. The bill, regulating the safety of donated blood plasma in Pennsylvania, was one of two for which Gergely served as prime sponsor that were enacted into law during his first 20 months in office. (Courtesy photo)

The Gergely family released a statement through the state House Democratic Caucus requesting privacy. In addition to his wife and sons, Gergely is survived by his mother, Sofia; brother, former state Rep. Marc J. Gergely of White Oak; a nephew, A.J. Gergely; nieces, Nicole Gergely, Olivia Gergely and Brianna Kelly; and cousins and friends.

A spokeswoman for state House Majority Leader Matt Bradford, Democrat of Montgomery County, said Gergely’s district offices in McKeesport, Munhall and Clairton would remain open and fully staffed.

Constituents who need help with state government related issues and services should call (412) 664-0035, or visit www.RepGergely.com for assistance.

Under state law, Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton will be required to issue a writ declaring the office vacant and calling for an election within 60 days.

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato said the county’s elections division is preparing to administer the election when it is called. Innamorato said she was “deeply saddened” by Gergely’s death.

“Matt loved his hometown of McKeesport and his family very much,” she said. “As a community, we will need to support his family during this difficult time. Our thoughts are also with his colleagues and constituents right now as they grapple with this terrible loss.”

Many local elected officials and civic organizations took to social media to remember a man they described as hard-working, humble and fiercely proud of McKeesport.

State Rep. Abigail Salisbury of Swissvale, who came to the General Assembly at the same time as Gergely in 2023, called his death a “staggering loss.”

“He was my friend and my colleague, and he was a good man,” she wrote.

Gergely’s colleagues in the Allegheny County delegation to the General Assembly released a joint statement saying, “our hearts are hurting” over his death.

“Matt was a treasured member of our delegation — there to offer support, advice or a quick joke when needed and, of course, always sporting an impeccable choice of footwear. And who could forget ‘Flat Gergely,’ who showed up in the district when Matt had to be in Harrisburg.

“Matt fought hard for his community as a state representative, bringing resources back to his district and championing critically important issues. His legacy will live on through the impact of his work.”

A myriad of Mon Valley area community groups issued statements of condolences, including McKeesport Area School District, McKeesport Ambulance Rescue Service, Mission Agape, and the Duquesne and Port Vue volunteer fire departments.

Clairton Mayor Rich Lattanzi wrote that he felt “shock and sadness” over Gergely’s death. “He had a big heart full of love and not hate!” Lattanzi said. “He loved his family so much and after a hard day at the office was excited to watch his boys play basketball or something else!”

The Gergely family (Courtesy photo)

A graduate of McKeesport Area High School and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Gergely was the son of Sofia Lundberg and the late Robert Gergely. Before joining the City of McKeesport in 2012 as city administrator, Gergely was employed by the State Workers’ Insurance Fund.

From 2017 to 2020, Gergely served as business manager for McKeesport Area School District, then returned to the city as chief revenue officer before running for the 35th District seat that had been vacated by former state Rep. Austin Davis upon his election as lieutenant governor.

Family and friends will gather from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the First Evangelical Free Church, 4001 University Drive, with interment to follow in McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorial contributions may be made to LaRosa Youth Club (LaRosa Youth Development Foundation), 901 Ravine St., McKeesport, PA 15132.

Originally published January 20, 2025.

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