Joe was a City of Pittsburgh Firefighter for 40 years. Joe proudly served in our United States Marine Corps and was a Vietnam Veteran. He was President of the Local 1 for 28 years and retired in 2014. Joe’s real passion was dedicated to anyone, anywhere who needed help. He was known as the “good neighbor,” he always took great care of his yard and had it in pristine condition. He enjoyed fishing and going to camp with his MDA kids. In his leisure time, he loved listening to his oldies music and if you knew Joe his favorite song was “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, which would not be a surprise to any, knowing Joe. One thing you could always count on Joe having on him wherever he went was a scubbage bag full of candy.
Joe displayed immeasurable talent with uniquely special charisma, passion, and creativity to his job of fighting for and protecting our members’ wages, retirement benefits, healthcare, and especially our safety. Joe was not only a warrior for our members, but he equally loved and fought to protect the residents of the City of Pittsburgh,” said union President Ralph Sicuro.
“Joe King was a great battler on behalf of the men and women of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire. He gave everything he had to his union, his bureau, his country and his city,” Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said in a statement.
“I have the utmost respect for him, and he leaves a lasting legacy of hard work on behalf of working people everywhere.”
Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald offered his condolences as well.
“I was sorry to hear of the passing of Joe King… He was active in his community and the labor movement — particularly on behalf of his beloved firefighters — and passionate about his North Side and Pittsburgh home. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends,” Mr. Fitzgerald said in a statement Tuesday.
