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Proclamation honoring Reverend Donald W. McIlvane in memoriam for his leadership and contributions to the cause of social justice and equal rights.
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WHEREAS, Allegheny County is blessed with individuals dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our neighborhood and the community as a whole; such as the late Reverend Donald W. McIlvane, a retired Roman Catholic priest and civil rights activist; and
WHEREAS, Father McIlvane served in the Naval Reserve in World War II on the SS Yale Victory ship. After his discharge from the service, he was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 1952, and celebrated his 60th Anniversary of his ordination in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Fr. McIlvane's ministry took him to various parishes and chaplaincies throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh from 1952 to 1994. He became involved in interracial issues, ecumenical dialogue, labor equality and political responsibility; and
WHEREAS, on March 7, 1965, Fr. McIlvane walked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the historic Selma, Alabama march. In 1994, he traveled to South Africa to work as an official monitor for the elections that made Nelson Mandela the first democratically elected leader of that nation; and
WHEREAS, Fr. McIlvane lived and served among the poor in Pittsburgh for many years. He regularly advocated for economic equality and grew to love the famed murals of Maxo Vanka in St. Nicholas Church in Millvale, depicting the struggles of workers. His name is among local civil-rights activists honored on the Freedom Corner Memorial in the Hill District;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council does hereby honor in memoriam Reverend Donald W. McIlvane for his passionate ministry and tireless work for equity and social justice. Fr. McIlvane's commitment to serving the community is an inspiration to us all, and while we mourn the loss of a great leader, we will always remember his significant contributions and caring spirit.