Remembering Washington County district attorney after his passing

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. — Officials in the area, as well as throughout Pennsylvania, are mourning the death of Washington County District Attorney Eugene Vittone, who passed away on Saturday following a battle with lung cancer.

Vittone had served as district attorney since 2012, after 12 years as an assistant district attorney.

Washington County Commissioner Nick Sherman released a statement Sunday saying he was “shocked and saddened” by the news.

“My relationship with him started before I was a commissioner working as a domestic abuse counselor. He was a champion of domestic violence. He was one of the pioneers in the region to have full-time victim advocacy in the courtroom working hand-in-hand with other district attorneys. Gene was a friend, mentor and role model for me not only politically — but professionally. He will be missed by all that knew him and worked with him.”

The Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office also posted a memorial on their Facebook page, stating, “DA Zappala and our entire staff send deepest sympathies to the staff of the Washington County District Attorneys Office and to the family and friends of Washington County DA Gene Vittone upon his passing. Gene was a genuinely good, gentle and decent man and a dedicated and passionate public servant. The people of Washington County and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will miss him.”

The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association also issued a statement Sunday. Vittone had served a president of the organization.

“Affable and gracious, Gene will be remembered for the tremendous contributions he made for the betterment of his community and profession. His big heart and kind soul will be deeply missed. Humble and unassuming, Gene worked tirelessly to make Washington County and Pennsylvania safer. He was forward thinking in developing policy initiatives related to elder abuse and to mitigate the horrors of the opioid epidemic. To that end, Gene was a pioneer in utilizing prescription drug drop off boxes and Narcan to save lives. He brought those initiatives to PDAA’s attention, which the association took to heart, prioritized, and helped implement statewide. The lives he helped save are now part of his legacy.”

Vittone leaves behind his wife Jane Ann and two children. He was 61 years old.

A viewing is scheduled on Wednesday at Warko Funeral Home with a funeral mass on Thursday.

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