“It is with a heavy heart that I join the countless voices expressing gratitude for the life and service of Leo Gerard.
Southwestern Pennsylvania was fortunate to have a national labor leader in our community. More than that, however, we were fortunate to have in Leo a good and dedicated neighbor. Leo was not born or raised here, but during his decades of service he became a true Pittsburgher. His support for this region and its economic growth was a huge factor in the successes of the past few decades. Leo had the ear of Presidents, Senators, and Governors. Whenever he spoke to our country’s leaders about the women and men of the United Steelworkers and the larger Labor community, he also made sure to put in a word for his adopted hometown.
I will always be grateful for Leo’s support of various community organizations and local causes. His service on the board of several different charities made it clear that he loved Pittsburgh and its people. His selfless devotion to working people and their families was known all throughout our community, and we could always count on the support of the USW and Leo himself whenever someone was in need.
Leo fought for his members every single day and protected the right to organize across the United States and around the world. He didn’t just lead the Labor community – he was very much a part of it. I am proud to call him a friend, but even more proud to call him a Pittsburgher. My condolences and those of the entire SPC go out to his family, friends, and loved ones, and to the members and leadership of his beloved USW.”
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