John Peck, Westmoreland County's long-serving district attorney, passed away at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy marked by a staunch commitment to justice and a personal life filled with the joy of family and the pursuit of knowledge. His death was announced by current District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli, who said in a press release, "He was the voice and advocate for thousands of victims through the years, fought for justice and truth, and helped shape the minds of young prosecutors and legal professionals", as reported by WPXI.
The former DA was heralded for his work ethic, often arriving first and leaving last at the courthouse he served diligently since 1981, and though he lost his seventh term bid in 2021, it mattered not to Peck, who held steadfast to the belief that his role was that of a lawyer, not a politician, a sentiment highlighted by friends and former coworkers, including Judge Rita Hathaway who described him as a mentor and shared, "He had the bar so high," Peck is also remembered for taking cases of all profiles, big and small, always ensuring justice was his compass rather than any political gain, TribLIVE reported.
Beyond the courtroom, John Peck's personal life was rich with the love of his family and a variety of interests, his son, the Rev. John Peck, credits his priestly vocation to the example set by his father, highlighting his integrity and hard work, while those who knew him also spoke of Peck's affinity for classical music, the German language, and staying active through cycling, showcasing a well-rounded individual whose serious courtroom persona belied the nurturing grandfather known to family.
Over his sprawling career, Peck notably handled cases such as the Greensburg Six and the "Kill for Thrill" murderers, demonstrating a resolve to see justice served no matter the challenging school of thought, a reflection of a man whose decisions were said to be untouched by "the corrupting force of political expediency," as praised by Bruce Antkowiak, a law professor at Saint Vincent College, Peck, despite retiring in an official capacity, continued to serve as a part-time hearing officer according to TribLIVE.
