Death Leaves PA House Gridlocked
By Bob Small
The death of Democratic House Member Matthew Gergely (D-35) on Jan 19 returned the Pa House to a deadlock of 101 for each party. There were some local reminisce. Jan Lambert, owner of Lambert’s Market in McKeesport said “He grew up from being a boy but he never grew out of the Port,” and would talk to everyone when he went shopping there.
Andrew Macey co-owner of Patti’s Pasticceria in White Oak, said “He was just a genuine person, He was able to talk whether you were a Republican or Democrat or liberal or conservative. He had that fairness about him.”
Matthew Gergely was elected in a special election in February to replace Austin Davis. He had a Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania,
He was Chief of Staff to McKeesport’s Mayor Michael Cherepko from 2012-17, followed by a stint as Business Manager for McKeesport High School until 2020. He became McKeesportt’s chief revenue officer until his election.
The 35th District consists of McKeesport, and other parts of Allegheny County. The district was created in 1969 and is solidly Democrat.
There will be a special election, March 25, to fill the seat.
Gergely is survived by his wife, Holly and their two sons.
Death Leaves PA House Gridlocked
