State Lawmakers In Bucks Comment On Sudden Death Of PA House Rep.

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — State elected officials in Bucks County are mourning the passing of a colleague.

Rep Mike Reese, a Republican who represents parts of Westmoreland and Somerset counties, died Saturday afternoon at the age of 42 of an apparent brain aneurysm. First elected in 2008, he had recently won his re-election bid.

Reese announced on Dec. 7 that he had tested positive for COVID-19, though it's unclear if that played a role in his death.

His colleagues in Bucks County are not unaffected by the news. Rep. Todd Polinchock (R-144), who represents the townships of Warrington, New Britain and Hilltown as well as the boroughs of Chalfont, New Britain, Silverdale, Telford and Dublin, worked with the western Pennsylvania representative at the statehouse.

"I can’t even begin to process this," Rep. Polinchock wrote on his Facebook page. "Dead at 42. Leaves a wife and 3 young children. No warning. Representative Mike Reese was the first member of my leadership team to greet me when I was first elected in 2018. He even gave up his parking spot to me so I could be closer since he knew of my bad hips. What a smart, kind man who loved Pennsylvania and our country. Rest In Peace my friend!"

Rep. Meghan Schroeder (R-29) said she will miss Reese's infectious sense of humor.

"It is with great sadness to hear of the sudden and devastating passing of my friend and colleague, State Rep. Mike Reese," Rep. Schroeder said. "He was a mentor to many of us and an all-around great person. He will be missed greatly by all that knew him. Mike left behind a young family and was only 42. Please keep his family in your prayers."

State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat who represents the 10th district, said he was saddened to learn of Reese's untimely passing.

"Rep. Reese and I were sworn into the State House together as freshmen back in 2008, and while I did not know him well, I respected him as a colleague and public servant," Sen. Santarsiero said. "I offer my warmest condolences to his family, and hope you will join me in keeping them in your prayers."

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