Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Reese (R), who was re-elected for a seventh term in the state chamber in November, died on Saturday afternoon of an apparent brain aneurysm. He was 42 years old.
According a statement Pennsylvania House majority leader Kerry Benninghoff (R), Reese, who was elected to serve as president of the Republican caucus for the 2020-2021 session, “died peacefully with his family by his side” at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, Pa.
“On behalf of the entire House Republican Caucus, I extend our deepest condolences and condolences to Rep. Mike Reese’s family,” Benninghoff said in the statement.
“More than a friend to all of us, and one of our caucus leaders, Mike was a dedicated husband and father,” he continued. “His wife, three young children and relatives are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Benninghoff described Reese, who represented Pennsylvania’s 59th district, as “a model legislator who put his constituents first.”
“I have known Mike since he took office in 2009 and I am proud to witness his many legislative achievements, especially his tireless work on behalf of Pennsylvania students and families,” continued the Republican leader. “Your spirit, presence and advice will be sorely missed.”
Mike was a dedicated husband and father. His wife, three young children and relatives are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. https://t.co/rMfgceu1rV
– Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (@RepBenninghoff) January 2, 2021
State Representative George Dunbar (R), who shared an office with Reese at the state capitol for about six years, told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Saturday that Reese’s death was “a great loss”.
“Mike was one of my best friends,” Dunbar told the local newspaper. “He was always a family man, whose life revolved around his three children. He was probably the most respected member of the Chamber. “
“I just spoke to him on New Year’s Eve. He had just run five miles when we talked and was about to take his son out to hunt, ”he added.
According to Johnstown, a Pa-based newspaper. The Tribune-Democrat, Reese contracted COVID-19 in early December, saying in a statement at the time that his symptoms were mild.
“I recently found out that I tested positive for COVID-19,” said Reese on December 7. “I have been quarantined for a week, awaiting the results of my test and with the positive test I will remain in quarantine until I recover. I am grateful to report that my symptoms have been mild and are decreasing. I am feeling better with each passing day. “