Rep. Pennsylvania State’s Mike Reese (R), who was reelected to a seventh term in the state house in November, died Saturday afternoon of an apparent brain aneurysm. He was 42.
According to a statement of Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R), Reese, who was elected chair of the Republican caucus for the 2020-2021 session, “died peacefully with his family by his side” at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
“On behalf of the entire House Republican Caucus, I offer my deepest condolences and condolences to Rep. Mike Reese’s family,” Benninghoff said in the statement.
“Mike was more than a friend to all of us, and one of our caucus leaders, he was a devoted husband and father,” he continued. “His wife, three young children, and extended family are on our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Benninghoff described Reese, who represented Pennsylvania’s 59th district, as “a model legislator who carefully put his constituents first.”
“I have known Mike since he took office in 2009 and am proud to have witnessed his many legislative achievements, especially his tireless work for the students and families of Pennsylvania,” continued the Republican leader. “His spirit, presence, and counsel will be greatly missed.”
Mike was a devoted husband and father. His wife, three young children, and extended family are on our minds and prayers during this difficult time. https://t.co/rMfgceu1rV
– Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (@RepBenninghoff) January 2, 2021
Co-State Representative George Dunbar (R), who shared an office with Reese at the State Capitol for about six years, told the Pittsburgh Tribune Review On Saturday, 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 whole life revolved around his three children. He was probably the most respected member of the House. “
“I just spoke to him on New Year’s Eve. He had just walked five miles when we spoke, and he was about to take his son on a hunt, ”he added.
According to Johnstown, one in Pa. based newspaper The Tribune Democrat, Reese was given COVID-19 in early December, saying in a statement at the time that his symptoms were mild.
“I recently learned that I tested positive for COVID-19,” said Reese on December 7. “I have been quarantined for the past week awaiting my test results and with the positive test I will remain in quarantine until I recover. Thankful to report that my symptoms were mild and are diminishing. end of the day. “