Victor J. Papale

Victor J. Papale lost his hard-fought battle against cancer on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. Surviving him in death are the love of his life and wife of 53 years, Mary Anne (McDonald); and his two devoted daughters, Emily (Chris) Bosser and Sara (Chris) Cummins. His five grandchildren, Cole, Brady, Abby, Kaitlin, and Quinn will miss their Poppy, the silliest, most loving and gentle man around. He is also survived by older brother, Henry (Roberta) Papale; and sister, Frances (Carl) Vitti. As a lifelong public servant and philanthropist, Vic spent 14 years in Allegheny County government and then shifted to the nonprofit sector. He dedicated his career to helping those who are the most vulnerable among us. Vic and Mary Anne met on the debate team at the University of Pittsburgh in 1968 and married in 1970. He enjoyed the melodies of Gershwin and Porter, the voice of Sinatra, and the dances of Astaire. The works of Beethoven, Mozart and the like moved him. His love of art inspired him to become a docent at the Carnegie Museum. Though he loved all Pittsburgh sports, his knowledge of baseball statistics and classic games made him a walking encyclopedia. As an avid reader, he always had a book or a history lesson or story for anyone who needed it. Stalwart in his beliefs and moral compass, Vic acted as guide, mentor and sage for anyone who asked. He will be missed, and his memory cherished by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Friends and relatives will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, at the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES INC., 421 Allegheny Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139. A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Private interment will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Penn Hills.