by Cherie Duvall

Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O?Connor died Friday, Sept. 1 of complications from primary central nervous system lymphoma. He was 61.

O?Connor, who learned he had a rare form of brain cancer only seven months into his term and was hospitalized since July, died shortly before 9 p.m. at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside.

Sworn into office on Jan. 3 as the 58th mayor of Pittsburgh, O?Connor lay in state for public viewing at the City-County Building and at John A. Freyvogel Sons funeral home last week. The funeral was held Thursday, Sept. 7 at St. Paul?s Cathedral.

Pittsburgh city workers will remember O?Connor as a combination of boundless enthusiasm, charm, unlimited energy and the highest integrity. He was widely recognized and popular for his ability to bring people together, from all walks of life, on issues vital to building a robust and vibrant city.

In a statement on the day of O?Connor's passing, his administration and staff said, ?It is our honor and privilege to know and to have served Bob O?Connor and the people of our great city in the Office of the Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh ? the city Bob O?Connor loved and now will never leave.?

During his term, O?Connor, a Pittsburgh native, spearheaded initiatives designed to put Pittsburgh?s people and neighborhoods first.

Succeeding O?Connor, Luke Ravenstahl was sworn in Sept. 1 as the 59th mayor of Pittsburgh.