Former Bethel Park mayor Virgili dies
Ron Arnoni and Guerrino J. “Reno” Virgili Jr. shared a connection long before their mayorships; the former in Brentwood, the latter in Bethel Park.
Their link went back generations as Virgili’s father was friends with Arnoni’s grandfather. Hence, Arnoni has been linked with Virgili from a young age.
By the time Arnoni grew up, moved to Bethel Park and became the magisterial district judge serving Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair, their bond solidified into something more rare and special.
“A history built on friendship, hard work, trust, and a shared commitment to the community we call home,” Arnoni said during the eulogy at Virgili’s funeral Mass on Oct. 16 at St. Valentine Church in Bethel Park.
Virgili, 96, died Oct. 10, 2026. He was born on May 21, 1930.
Virgili was the beloved husband of Irene D. Malanowski for 76 years and the loving father of Mary Lou Virgili (James Kearns) and Marlene Thomas (John) “JT”. He was brother to Gloria Cecchini (the late Alfred), and the late Victoria Centofonti (George), Margaret Meassick (Charles) and Albert Virgili.
Additionally, he was grandfather of Joshua (Nikole), Oriana and Zirafina, great-grandfather of Hailey “Nikki”, Mayson (Kandice), Kalee, Connor and Lukah, as well as great-great-grandfather of Colton and Jayla.
“Some people leave behind a legacy that goes far beyond their years, and Reno Virgili was certainly one of those people,” Arnoni said. “Perhaps his greatest legacy is the example he leaves behind: a 76-year marriage to Irene, a loving family spanning generations, and a community that is better because he was part of it.”
In addition to being mayor of Bethel Park from 1982 to 1994, Virgili served as fire chief for 14 years for the Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the organization for 72 years and was fire marshal for three.
“Reno was my dad’s right-hand man when he was fire chief from 1961-66,” said Luke Pokrajac in a Facebook post. “He was an awesome friend to my dad and a great servant to the people of Bethel Park.”
Virgili was a founding member of the Bethel Park Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Bethel Park Lions Club, Pittsburgh-South Hills Elks Lodge No. 2213, St. Valentine Men’s Club, Jugo-Slav Club, PA State Mayor’s Association, Democratic Committee for 30 years, Italian Sons and Daughters Association, Italian Heritage and Model A & T Clubs.
He also helped establish Tri-Community South EMS and was a Founder of American LaFrance in McKeesport.
Additionally he owned and operated Virgili Beer Distributors. He founded the business, located on South Park Road, in 1945.
“Reno was much more than a successful businessman,” Arnoni said. “He was a man who helped shape Bethel Park into the community we know today. Through his business ventures, his ownership of numerous properties, and his years of public service, he left a lasting mark on this town.
“As mayor, he worked to make Bethel Park a better place and helped move the community forward,” Arnoni added. “His involvement in local organizations further demonstrates that his commitment to Bethel Park was not simply a title or a position. It was a lifetime of service.”
Arnoni noted that Virgili represented a living connection to Bethel Park’s past, which was a generation of people who built businesses, served their neighbors, strengthened their community and created opportunities for those who followed.
“Reno made a lasting difference and his contributions deserve to be remembered,” he said. “His influence will continue to be felt for generations to come, and his legacy will not be forgotten.”
Funeral arrangements were handled by David J. Henney Funeral Home on Library Road. Virgili is interred at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum in Peters Township.