Pittsburgh Review

Former Pennsylvania State Democratic Senator Jim Ferlo passed away on May 15 at the age of 70, and Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA) honored him by ordering the Pennsylvania flag on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds be flown at half-staff.

Ferlo was elected to the state Senate in 2002 and served until 2015 when he did not seek re-election. He represented the 38th District which included the counties of Allegheny, Armstrong and Westmoreland.

“As we mourn the loss of Senator Jim Ferlo, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and community,” Wolf said in a release on May 15. “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.”

According to the Pennsylvania state legislature website, Ferlo was on the Pittsburgh City Council from 1987 to 2002 representing the 7th district and served as the council president for five years. He was also a community activist before getting involved in politics and has had of a number of businesses, board memberships, club memberships and government roles. This includes three terms on the ACLU of Pennsylvania board of directors.

Ferlo was also the first openly gay member of the Pennsylvania state Senate and announced it at a press conference in 2014 when he was sponsoring legislation to protect LGBT individuals.

Since May 12, the Pennsylvania flag was half-staff in honor of Covid-19 pandemic victims. Wolf called for the flag to remain half-staff until sunset of Sen. Ferlo’s interment, which is to be determined.

State officials like Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) took to social media to express their condolences for their friend and colleague.

"My thoughts and prayers are with former Senator Jim Ferlo’s family as they mourn his passing. It was an honor to serve with him in the Senate and I am happy to have called him a friend," Brewster wrote.