Sep 14, 2016 By Cara Host 3 min read

Bethel Park council members smiled and even laughed Sept. 12 as they remembered their beloved colleague and friend, John Pape, who served on council for more than 40 years.

It might be how Pape would like to be remembered, since he was known as much for his sense of humor as he was for his diligence in solving his constituents’ problems.

“What an amazing man. He had the ability to light up a room,” said Councilman Mark O’Brien.

Pape died Sept. 8. His funeral occurred a few hours prior to council’s regular meeting. Pape was 89 years old.

Pape was childhood friends with O’Brien’s father; the two grew up together in Mt. Washington. Pape befriended the younger O’Brien when they started serving together on council.

“There were two things that John didn’t care much for. One was losing and the other was the word no,” O’Brien said.

A combat veteran of World War II, Pape fought just as hard for the people of Bethel Park, O’Brien said.

On council, Pape would enthusiastically argue his point of view and try to persuade others to his side, O’Brien said. When a constituent had a problem, Pape would work his contacts and find a friend of a friend who could solve it.

“Mr. Pape will be sadly missed. He helped a lot of people in Bethel Park,” said Carl Denson, a longtime friend and a longtime member of various municipal boards.

Pape’s failing health prevented him from attending most council meetings in recent years. Next month, council will appoint his replacement.

The municipality will accept applications until Sept. 29 and council plans to interview candidates Oct. 5. Those interested in serving must live in Ward 1, which is the central part of the municipality, and be a registered voter. Applicants can send a letter of interest to the municipal office, 5100 W. Library Ave., Bethel Park.

“Bethel Park will miss this tough guy from Mt. Washington and I will miss my friend,” O’Brien said.

Councilman Don Harrison suggested the municipality should remember Pape in a more permanent way by renaming Miners Memorial Park after Pape.

Another resident, Kenneth A. Sharo, suggested that council should do the same for Harrison. He said Harrison has served council for decades and also donated countless hours to other community organizations, such as the Boy Scouts. He said Millennium Park should be renamed in Harrison’s honor.

In another matter, council approved a Signals in Coordination or “SINC-UP” agreement with Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission to upgrade traffic signals on McMurray Road. SPC will provide grant funding for the project and Bethel Park will have to come up with a local match of about 20 percent. SPC also handles most aspects of the project.

Council briefly discussed the budget for next year and while the process is in its early stages, Councilman Jim McLean said preliminary figures indicate that a tax increase will not be needed. Council will probably adopt the spending plan in December.