(News)

Friends and colleagues are mourning the death of former state Sen. Albert "Bud" Belan, whose funeral Mass has been scheduled for Saturday morning.

Belan, who died Tuesday at the age of 81, was "a strong man, (an) influential leader and a public official whose word was as good as his bond," said state Sen. Jim Brewster, Democrat of McKeesport. "He was well liked and held the interests of those he represented at heart --- in everything he did and everything he accomplished."

Brewster, who now represents the same district that Belan served in Harrisburg from 1989 to 2000, described Belan as a "friend and mentor," adding that "whether it was during his years as a local district justice, or later as a state senator, Bud Belan had an indelible sense of fairness and an abiding dedication to causes in support of working families."

State Rep. Marc Gergely, who early in his political career worked in Belan's office, said the senator "helped thousands of people to improve their lives."

"He was an excellent mentor and I am grateful for everything that he taught me," said Gergely, a Democrat from White Oak. "I join the many people who are mourning his passing and honoring his life and service."

Belan's 45th Senatorial District included Monroeville, much of the Allegheny County portion of the Mon Valley and several Westmoreland County communities, including North Huntingdon Township. In McKeesport, one of his lasting legacies is the 15th Avenue Bridge, which connects the city with Port Vue.

The current bridge replaced an 86-year-old steel-truss bridge whose weight and height restrictions had long plagued local businesses, commuters and emergency workers, because delivery trucks, buses and fire and rescue vehicles weren't permitted to cross the span. When the bridge was deemed unsafe and permanently closed in 1989, Port Vue, Liberty and Lincoln residents were forced to take long, circuitous detours.

With the backing of local elected officials, Belan lobbied state transportation officials to expedite the planning process for a new $22 million bridge, which opened in 1995. In 2005, Gergely introduced legislation to have the 15th Avenue Bridge dedicated to Belan.

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A resident of Jefferson Hills, Belan was born in Munhall on March 7, 1930, the son of John and Helen Belan. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Belan attended the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University. He began his career as a West Mifflin police officer and was elected to West Mifflin Area School Board in 1970 and borough council in 1972, serving as council president. From 1976 to 1988, Belan was a district magistrate in the West Mifflin area.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former Elizabeth Vehec; a daughter, Laurie Gadwin of Gahanna, Ohio; two grandchildren, three nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his sisters Helen and Ann and brothers John and Andrew.

Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Savolskis-Wasik-Glenn Funeral Home, 3501 Main St., Munhall. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Sylvester Roman Catholic Church, Brentwood, with interment to follow at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, Pleasant Hills.