Former State Sen. Jim Ferlo dies at age 70

Former State Sen. Jim Ferlo has died.

Ferlo represented the 38th Senatorial District, encompassing portions of Pittsburgh and parts of Allegheny, Armstrong and Westmoreland counties. He served in that seat from 2003 until 2015 and served as the Democratic Chairman of the Law and Justice Committee. Ferlo also was the Democratic Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa issued a statement announcing Ferlo’s death Sunday evening. Ferlo was 70.

“No matter what side of an issue someone fell, having Jim Ferlo as part of the conversation kept you on your toes and made you become more educated and thoughtful,” Costa said. “For that, I know he made so many of us better public servants, myself included.”

Costa offered condolences to Ferlo’s family on behalf of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

“It was a true honor to have served with Jim, but even more so, I’m so glad to have called him a friend,” Costa said.

State Sen. Lindsey Williams, who now represents the district Ferlo had served, said she was “incredibly saddened” by his passing.

“He was a force for good not only in the State Senate, but in the larger community,” she said.

Before being elected to the Senate, Ferlo served on Pittsburgh City Council from 1998 to 2003, including a stint as council president from 1994 through 1998.

Costa called Ferlo “the progressive conscience of the Senate during tenure, and maybe the entire General Assembly.”

His politics goes back to the 1960s, Costa said, including organizing, marching and protesting for causes important to him.

“He always advocated for working people, minority groups, women and the LGBTQ community — the least heard voices in politics,” Costa said.

Ferlo was born in Rome, N.Y., the son of Italian immigrants. He was one of 10 siblings.

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey called Ferlo “a great leader and change agent for the city of Pittsburgh.”

“His legacy will be felt for generations to come,” Gainey said. “May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.”

Maria Montaño, Gainey’s spokesperson and the first openly transgender spokesperson in Pittsburgh history, noted that Ferlo was the first openly gay man to serve in the Pennsylvania Senate.

He came out in a speech on expanding protections for the LGBTQIA+ community, she said, saying: “I’m gay. Get over it. I love it.”

State Sen. Jim Brewster shared his condolences with Ferlo’s family on Twitter, writing, “It was an honor to serve with him in the Senate, and I am happy to have called him a friend.”

State Rep. Jessica Benham also mourned his loss, writing on social media that she “always appreciated his encouragement and advice.”

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said Ferlo was engaged in politics even after his retirement.

“He never hesitated to reach out to tell me what he thought about how the county was doing — good and bad,” Fitzgerald said. “His fiery spirit and fighter’s soul will be greatly missed.”

Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered the state flag at all facilities, public buildings and grounds to fly at half-staff immediately.

“As we mourn the loss of Sen. Jim Ferlo, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and community,” Wolf said. “Jim was a good man and a better leader, who always stood up for what is right. The people of western Pennsylvania have lost a dedicated advocate, and Pennsylvania has lost a true public servant.”

The state flag has flown at half-staff since Thursday in honor of the victims of the covid-19 pandemic, and should continue to fly at half-staff until sunset on the day of Ferlo’s interment, according to Wolf’s office.