JOHNSTOWN — U.S. Rep. John Murtha, the powerful Democrat who represented this area since 1974, died this afternoon in a Virginia hospital.

The congressman’s office released a brief statement saying Murtha “passed away peacefully” at 1:18 p.m.

His family was at his bedside, spokesman Matt Mazonkey said.

Murtha, who was 77, had been hospitalized for more than a week due to complications from gallbladder surgery he underwent Jan. 28.

On Saturday, he became the longest-serving congressman in Pennsylvania history.

President Barack Obama released the following statement: “Michelle and I were deeply saddened today to hear about the passing of Congressman John Murtha. Jack was a devoted husband, a loving father and a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years. His passion for service was born during his decorated career in the United States Marine Corps, and he went on to earn the distinction of being the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. Jack’s tough-as-nails reputation carried over to Congress, where he became a respected voice on issues of national security. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife of nearly 55 years, Joyce, their three children, and the entire Murtha family.”

Reactions were the same in the Cambria-Somerset region and across the state: Shock and sadness.

Gov. Ed Rendell mourned the passing of a powerful ally, a trusted political adviser and a friend.

"I lost someone whose advice I could always count on," Rendell said Monday, less than two hours after Murtha's death.

Rendell added that Murtha "was our go-to guy – someone who, whatever the issue was, could weigh in and make things happen."

Istvan Jaray, maestro of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, said he was "absolutely devastated.

“I can’t even finds words. It’s a tremendous loss,” Jaray said. “It will take me personally days if not weeks to grasp the incredible loss of the congressman who I knew quite well. We had so many conversations ... Words are just not adequate."

Mary Isenhour, executive director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, said it was "very, very difficult" to put Murtha's impact into words.

"He just had a tremendous reach in all four corners of the commonwealth," she said. "He was a leader in our party whom everyone relied on."

Other comments included:

- state Sen. John Wozniak, D-Westmont: "The death of my friend Jack Murtha is a terrible personal loss and a profound loss for the people of southwestern Pennsylvania. Congressman Murtha nearly singlehandedly revived the economy of the region making sure the City of Johnstown and the surrounding area were well known to the decision makers in Washington. He taught local leaders how to fight for fairness and a share of the infrastructure investment being considered in Congress. Simply put: he delivered."

- Rob Gleason, of Johnstown, chairman of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania and of Cambria County: “Like many, I was shocked and saddened to hear the news that Congressman Jack Murtha had passed away. While the Congressman and I often differed when it came to politics, he always had my deepest respect. The thoughts and prayers of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania go out to Jack’s family.”

- state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Jackson Township: "I am deeply saddened upon hearing the news of Congressman Murtha's passing. Mr. Murtha was a decorated war veteran, a tenacious legislator and a champion for his constituents in the Greater Johnstown area. Mr. Murtha will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time."

- state Rep. Bryan Barbin, D-Johnstown: "Johnstown, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States have all lost a true defender of the middle class and a champion of issues that affect their everyday lives. Our hearts and prayer go out to his family now and in the difficult days ahead."

- Mark S. Singel, Johnstown native and former state senator, lt. governor and acting governor of Pennsylvania: “While he could be gruff with critics and opponents, he had a huge heart and a tireless work ethic when it came to his district and his colleagues. This is a huge loss to our region. It is just not possible for someone to fill those shoes.”



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