Allegheny Co. Politician, Former Pro Wrestler John DeFazio Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — John DeFazio, who vaulted from a successful professional wrestling career into politics and served nearly two decades on Allegheny Council, has died. Mr. DeFazio, of Shaler, was 80.

Mr. DeFazio rose to fame locally as the wrestler "Jumpin' Johnny" during the 1960s and 1070s, appearing on several occasions on WPXI-TV's ( then WIIC) popular Saturday "Studio Wrestling" show. Mr. DeFazio also was a mill worker who was elected president of his local union at the age of 29, according to the Allegheny County Democratic Committee.

Mr. DeFazio was elected to the first county council in 1999 as the county shifted from a three commissioner system of government to an elected executive and council. He served as council president during his 20 years on council, which ended in 2019 after losing the Democratic primary to current councilwoman Bethany Hallam.

“It’s hard for me to believe that John has passed," said county Executive Rich Fitzgerald, who served on council with Mr. DeFazio before being elected executive.

"He was a larger-than-life presence. Those of us that knew him saw his reputation as a tough athlete and former pro-wrestler but knew that ‘Jumping Johnny’ had a heart of gold when it came to caring for his family, friends, and community."

Fitzgerald ordered all county flags to half-mast in DeFazio's memory.