Our region on Monday lost a friend, indeed.
We also lost a great leader and humanitarian.
Perhaps no face was more recognizable to our residents than that of John P. Murtha, who died in a Virginia hospital from complications from gallbladder surgery.
He was 77.
Mr. Murtha arguably was the most powerful and influential individual to have ever called Johnstown home.
Shock waves could be felt rumbling across our region Monday afternoon as word quickly spread of his death.
Indeed, his passing leaves a leadership void not only here in western Pennsylvania, but across our nation.
As a statesman, he was that strong.
His will extended far beyond the boundaries of the 12th Congressional District. He ranked perhaps among the top dozen or two politicians in our nation.
In a sad twist of irony, the Westmont Democrat just two days before his death became the longest-serving representative in Pennsylvania history.
“Jack is emblematic of the hardworking Pennsylvanians that he has represented for 36 years, as well as those that each of us represent,” said U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski, a fellow Democrat who serves the 11th district in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Mr. Murtha had a long and distinguished career in the Marine Corps, having served 37 years. He retired from the Marine Corps Reserve as a colonel in 1990 and was the first combat veteran of the Vietnam War to be elected to Congress.
He was the recipient of two Purple Heart Awards
His personal honors were many and included the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.
The congressman was also a caring individual who was able to get things done in a big way.
Following a devastating flood in 1977, he led a charge that changed the landscape of our region’s economy.
Defense and high-tech industries replaced steel mills and coal mines. Today, they thrive because of Mr. Murtha’s abilities to secure funding and lobby contract talks among big players in those fields throughout the world.
There is little doubt that his death has left our area economically susceptible, despite what some might believe.
But Murtha’s imprint on our region extends well beyond industry and jobs.
It includes medicine and research. It includes the battles against cancer and diabetes.
His name is attached to airports and buildings and clinics.
While we mourn his death, we will celebrate his life, which has had a profound impact on all of us.
Farewell, Jack.
