Rep. Mike Reese of PA dies of brain aneurysm at 42; flags at half-staff

Pennsylvania – In honor of Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Reese, who passed away on Saturday, January 2, Governor Tom Wolf ordered the commonwealth flag on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds fly at half-staff immediately.

Rep. Mike Reese served as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2009 until his death on Jan. 2, 2021 from an apparent brain aneurysm at age 42.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Representative Mike Reese,” Governor Wolf said. “Our thoughts are with Mike’s family, colleagues and constituents. Mike was a good man and a strong leader, and the people of western Pennsylvania have lost a dedicated advocate.”

Rep. Mike Reese represented the 59th Legislative District from 2009 to 2021 in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

The commonwealth flag has flown at half-staff since Wednesday, March 11, 2020, in honor of the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic and should continue to fly at half-staff until further notice. The United States flag has flown at half-staff since Thursday, December 31, 2020 in honor of former Governor Dick Thornburgh, and should remain at half-staff until the date of former Governor Thornburgh’s interment.

All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.

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Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Benninghoff Issues Statement on Passing of Rep. Mike Reese

HARRISBURG – Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland/Somerset), who served the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus as caucus secretary in the 2019-20 session and was elected to serve as Republican caucus chairman in the 2020-21 session died peacefully with his family by his side Saturday afternoon at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg following an apparent brain aneurysm.

Reese was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2008, taking office in the 2009-10 Legislative Session. At the time of his death, he was 42 years old.

Reese is survived by his wife Angela and three children.

On the passing of Reese, Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) made the following statement:

“On behalf of the entire House Republican Caucus, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Rep. Mike Reese.

“More than a friend to all of us, and one of our caucus leaders, Mike was a devoted husband and father. His wife, three young children and extended family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

“I have known Mike since he took office in 2009 and have been proud to witness his many legislative accomplishments, especially his tireless work on behalf of Pennsylvania’s students and families. Mike was a model legislator who thoughtfully put his constituents first. His spirit, presence and counsel will be sorely missed.”