Bob O'Connor (mayor)
A beloved Pittsburgh mayor whose infectious 'Redd Up' campaign and relentless optimism defined a tragically short tenure dedicated to civic renewal.
1944–2006 (age 62)·American politician·Birthday: December 9·The Silent Generation
Biography
Bob O'Connor’s ascent to the mayor’s office of Pittsburgh was the culmination of a long, grassroots political journey, making his brief time in power all the more poignant. A native son who built his career from the neighborhood level up, he embodied a classic, approachable style of politics. After previous runs for the office, he finally won in 2005 on a platform of revitalizing a city still finding its post-industrial footing. His signature initiative, 'Redd Up Pittsburgh'—using the local dialect for 'clean up'—mobilized citizens to take pride in their blocks and parks. O'Connor brought a palpable energy and faith to the job, often seen riding his bicycle through city neighborhoods. His vision for a brighter, cleaner, and more unified Pittsburgh was just beginning to take hold when he fell ill. Diagnosed with a rare brain cancer, he passed away after only eight months in office, leaving a city in mourning for the future he promised and the earnest, connecting spirit he represented.
The Silent Generation
1928–1945
Born between the Depression and the end of WWII. Too young to fight, old enough to remember. They became the conformist middle managers of the 1950s — and the civil rights leaders who quietly dismantled Jim Crow.
Bob was born in 1944, placing them squarely in The Silent Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Bob Was Born
The biggest hits of 1944
#1 Movie
Going My Way
Best Picture
Going My Way
Bob's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1944Born
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1949Started school
NATO founded; Mao proclaims the People's Republic of China
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Riders in the Sky" — Vaughn MonroeBest Picture: All the King's Men
1957Became a teenager
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1960Could drive
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1962Could vote
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1965Turned 21
US sends combat troops to Vietnam
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,600Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" — The Rolling StonesBest Picture: The Sound of Music
1974Turned 30
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1984Turned 40
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1994Turned 50
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2004Turned 60
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Died at 62
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
Key Achievements
- Elected Mayor of Pittsburgh in 2005 after decades of public service and previous campaigns.
- Launched the widely popular 'Redd Up Pittsburgh' city cleanup and engagement campaign.
- Served as the city's mayor from January 3, 2006, until his death in September 2006.
Did You Know?
Before becoming mayor, he owned and operated a popular ice cream parlor in Pittsburgh.
The phrase 'Redd Up', central to his campaign, is Western Pennsylvania slang meaning to tidy or clean.
A public square in Pittsburgh's Schenley Plaza is named in his honor.
“I want to make Pittsburgh the most livable city in America.”
