Brewster Comments on Death of Former Senate Democratic Leader Edward Zemprelli
McKeesport – December 9, 2017 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) issued the following statement concerning the death of former state Senate Democratic Leader Edward Zemprelli, who passed away on Monday, Dec. 4.
Zemprelli of Clairton was elected to the Senate in 1968 and was majority leader from 1979-80. He served the citizens of the Mon Valley’s 45th Senate District from 1968 to 1988. Previously, he served in the state House of Representatives from 1963 to 1968.
During his years in the Senate, Zemprelli worked to reform the state’s banking laws, aid distressed municipalities, shore up funding for state highways and rescue the Unemployment
Compensation Fund that was drained of funds due to economic dislocation.
He was a strong advocate of issues important to working men and women and an early supporter of the Mon-Fayette Expressway.
Brewster’s comments follow:
“Senator Zemprelli served the citizens of the Mon Valley well for decades. He was a tireless defender of working men and women and was at the forefront of efforts to deal with the dislocation of the steel industry.
“He served in a time of significant change and rose to become the Senate’s majority leader, but he never forgot his roots in the Mon Valley or its people. As a lawmaker, he was heavily involved in helping communities address economic distress, developing the Mon-Fayette Expressway, reforming our state’s banking laws and ensuring that resources were available for schools.
“Senator Zemprelli was colorful and candid, and was welcomed throughout the region as an articulate and passionate public speaker. He was well-respected by his peers and put his stamp on legislation and projects that will benefit generations to come.
“On behalf of the citizens of the district he served so well, I extend my condolences to his daughter, his family and his legion of friends.
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Contact: Timothy Joyce
Phone: 412 380-2242
Email: Timothy.Joyce@pasenate.com