In Memoriam: Pittsburgh's Most Notable 2025 Deaths So Far

PITTSBURGH, PA — From a former Pirate to former Steelers and an elected officials, Pittsburgh already has lost a number of prominent people in the first quarter of 2025.

A look at those we've lost thus far this year:

January:

• Bob Veale, 89, a member of the Pirates' 1971 World Series-winning team.

• Matt Gergely, 45, a Pennsylvania state representative whose district encompassed Mon Valley communities.

• Ed Blank, 81, a retired film and theater writer for the Pittsburgh Press and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

February:

• Jeff Butya, the proprietor of two All Star Sports Bar and Grill locations and a member of the family that operated the famed Butya's Tavern in Robinson.

• Mike Lange, 76, the legendary Penguins' radio and TV announcer.

• Scott Sauerbeck, 53, a former Pirates relief pitcher.

• Mike Collier, 71, a member of the Steelers' Super Bowl winning teams of the 1970s.

• Jon Burnett, 71, a revered former KDKA-TV personality.

March:

• Craig Wolfley, 66, a former Steelers player and current team radio analyst.

• Rich Emert, 74, a retired Pittsburgh sportswriter and editor.

• Dave James, 85, a retired Pittsburgh radio and TV newsman.

• Jim Quinn, 82, a Pittsburgh radio presence for decades.