Pittsburgh native, 2-time Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough dead at 89

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh native and renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough has died at 89, his family announced.

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According to a post to McCullough’s Facebook page, the author passed away surrounded by his five children on Sunday.

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald released the following statement about McCullough’s passing:

“David McCullough was one of America’s great historians – he’s one of us, a man who grew up here with us. Even though his life’s path took him elsewhere, he was always proud of his Pittsburgh roots. His deep love of research and history led to him writing many influential books, but he also found time to narrate television shows and documentaries. And of course, he often returned here as a proud supporter of this region and to share his knowledge of its history and building blocks. We have always been proud of David and the fact that he is a native son who attended Linden Avenue Grade School and Shady Side Academy. He has been a true friend and advocate and you can see the influences of this city, county and region in his many writings. The theme of bridges runs through his many novel and is just one of the many reasons why it was so appropriate to rename the 16th Street Bridge as the David McCullough Bridge. We were all privileged to mark his 80th birthday when the bridge was rededicated, and to be joined by his family and friends on the occasion. David’s wife, Rosalee, passed just two short months ago and I’m sure that he was missing the woman he called his editor in chief. Our deepest sympathies to his five children, 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren on this great loss. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.”

McCullough was born in Pittsburgh in 1933. While being a historian was his most well-known role, he was also an editor, teacher, lecturer and appeared on public television.

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