Former Pittsburgh City Council President Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — Former Pittsburgh City Council president Darlene Harris has died, Mayor Corey O'Connor's office announced on Friday.

A former Pittsburgh Public Schools director as well, Harris represented the council district that represented the North Side, Strip District and a section of Downtown. She served on city council for more than a decade.

O'Connor, who served with Harris on city council and then as Allegheny County controller before being elected mayor last year, issued the following statement regarding her death:

“I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of my former colleague on city council, Darlene Harris. My heart is with her family, children and grandchildren and the North Side community, whom she loved.

"Darlene led a life of service to her community as an advocate, school board director and city council member that spanned over 40 years. Born in Brighton Heights and growing up in Spring Hill, she was a North Sider through and through.

"Nobody fought for their communities like Darlene Harris. Never forgetting her working-class roots, she was also a staunch supporter of local unions and building trades and was renowned for her commitment to animal rights.

"I was glad to be her friend and colleague on city council. From her longtime career of service, she leaves a legacy as a community champion, North Sider and mother and grandmother.”