In Memoriam: George M. Medved
On November 9, 2018, with his wife, Lois, nearby, George M. Medved, unexpectedly, but peacefully, slipped away from the bonds of earth and into the hands of the Lord. A lifelong Pittsburgher, George was always proud and reminiscent of his hometown and hardworking roots in Clairton, where he was raised by his loving parents, the late George and Helen Medved.
George's greatest joy in a very full life was as a husband to Lois (Diana), stepfather to sons, James and Anthony (Kathleen) Mollise, and as a grandfather, or "Pappy" to his "terrific trio": Anthony, Jr., Jeremy and Anastasia. George was a man of many talents and interests, all shaped and nurtured in one way or another by his Clairton roots.
He worked summers in the Clairton steel works while pursuing a successful career as a teenage professional musician playing the alto and tenor saxophone at Monroeville's Holiday House and other local venues. He also enjoyed swimming, fishing and traveling throughout his life. In addition to his early talents as a musician, George continued to pursue his lifelong interest in learning. After graduating magna cum laude from Duquesne University in 1975, he went on to the University of Pittsburgh's School of Law, graduating in 1978 as a member of the Law Review.
George started what would become a highly acclaimed and rewarding legal career at Eckert, Seamans, Cherin and Mellott. George became a force in the practice of law, admitted to nine different courts and becoming respected counsel to many major companies and clients on an international level, eventually leading to his place as a named partner of the firm, Doepken, Keevican, Weiss and Medved. As Pittsburgh began to be recognized as an important location in the international legal community, George was sought out as the partner to open and lead new offices because of his rare blend of legal talent, leadership, vision and personality. He was a trusted mentor to those men and women who had the privilege of working with him, including many younger attorneys, who were looking to become better lawyers and colleagues in the law. No matter how important his cases or clients, George never forgot how important it was to teach those coming up in the profession. Most importantly, he took a sincere interest in his team's well-being, not just professionally, but personally.
Ultimately, utilizing these talents, he founded the Pittsburgh offices of Pepper Hamilton, Duane Morris and most recently, Blank Rome, LLP. Throughout his life, George had the special gift of connecting with people and making each person feel important and valued. Through his love for his family and friends, his music (jazz was his favorite), and his extraordinary intelligence and brilliant legal career, George touched so many lives.
He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing his booming voice, wit, incredible personality, and of course, the sound of his saxophone, which he's surely playing right now. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, George is survived by his father-in-law, James Diana; sister-in-law, Janice Diana; brother-in-law, Ken Diana (Dianne); nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
— Published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on November 14, 2018.