Former Allegheny County Chief Executive Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — Former Allegheny County Chief Executive Jim Roddey and former Pittsburgh Deputy Mayor Joseph Sabino Mistick were on opposite sides of the field politically but nevertheless became the best of friends.

The Republican Roddey and Democratic Mistick, now a Duquesne University law professor, squared off regularly for more than two decades on PCNC's "Night Talk." But the pair and their families became extremely close.

"Having Jim Roddey as a friend enriched my life greatly," Mistick told Patch on Friday. "We had so much fun. We were best friends in many ways."

Mr. Roddey, the first country chief executive, died on Thursday. He was 91.

Mr. Roddey served one term as chief executive when the county moved from a three-commissioner form of government to an executive-county council mode in 2000.

Current County Executive Sara Sara Innamorato issued the following statement:

"Jim Roddey left an indelible mark on Southwestern Pennsylvania, through his business acumen, philanthropy, and public service. With his passing, we remember his commitment not only to this region as a political and civic leader, but also to our nation through his time in the Marines.

"As the first Allegheny County executive, he shaped how a government of 6,000 employees, now with a $3 billion annual budget, serves more than a million of our neighbors across Allegheny County. We are, and will continue to be, grateful for his service."

Funeral arrangements were not immediately available Friday.