Aspinwall has lost a legend.
Jack Lovey, former council president and longtime resident, died Jan. 14 at 97.
He is best known for his service to the borough, where he lived for seven decades and with his wife, JoAnn, raised their family.
“Jack was one of the proudest members of our community and always worked toward the betterment of Aspinwall,” former Mayor Joe Noro said. “Jack loved people and would always find a way to help.”
Lovey, retired from US Steel after 40-plus years, served on borough council for 28 years. He was a life member of the Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department and, later, the Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services.
He also served several decades as an usher at St. Scholastica Church, now part of Christ the King Parish.
As fire department treasurer, Lovey was influential in helping to invest capital funds that enabled the purchase of personal protective equipment for firefighters, Noro said.
He also helped to develop a relief fund to distribute money to families of fallen firefighters. The fund continues today.
“Jack was a great neighbor, a great friend and mentor, and a great volunteer who loved Aspinwall,” Noro said. “His contributions have left a legacy.”
In a fitting tribute that linked two of his passions, council last summer named a municipal conference room in Lovey’s honor. The room connects council chambers with the fire station.
“I choked up,” Lovey said at the time of the reveal. “It was beautiful. … It’s just been a great pleasure. I was treated so marvelous over my 28 years.”
Borough Manager Melissa O’Malley said she “was lucky enough to spend time with (Lovey), reminiscing about his days on council and listening to his thoughtful suggestions for the future.”
Even after so many years retired from council, his dedication to Aspinwall never faded, O’Malley said.
“He was a true friend to this community and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him,” she added.
On Jan. 14, Aspinwall Council had a moment of silence for Lovey.
Council President Jeff Harris was Lovey’s neighbor. He said: “If they ever conceive a Mt. Rushmore of Aspinwall, there’s no doubt Jack Lovey should be on it.”
“Great guy, always willing to talk (and) offer words of support for our town and things we do,” Harris said. “Great neighbor, which is an essential Aspinwall trait. It’s a life well lived. We should all be so lucky to offer service like Jack did and to be beloved by the community.”
Councilman Lou Curcio saluted Lovey in a Facebook post: “There’s simply not that many people you meet in a lifetime who fit the type of person Jack Lovey was.
“The most kind and caring man,” the post read. “Decades of hard work and dedication to his town that he loved so much.
“Keep an eye on Aspinwall from up there, Jack.”