Ivan Itkin Obituary
ITKIN: Ivan Itkin passed away on April 5, 2020, in Fort Lauderdale, FL, a week after celebrating his 84th birthday.
Itkin was born on March 29, 1936 in New York City. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from New York University and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh.
Before entering politics, Itkin worked as a nuclear scientist, applied mathematician, and reactor physicist at the Westinghouse Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory in Pittsburgh, PA. He was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1972 and served 13 terms representing the City of Pittsburgh’s eastern neighborhoods of Squirrel Hill, Greenfield, Hazlewood and Point Breeze. He rose in leadership to become Majority Leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and was appointed Speaker Pro Tempore during the 1987-1988 session. In 1998 Itkin ran for Governor as the Democratic nominee. His career went full circle when he was appointed by President Bill Clinton as Director of the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management within the U.S. Department of Energy.
Itkin had the heart of a progressive and the mind of a pragmatist. He cared deeply about his constituents and worked tirelessly to protect the civil rights and economic security of the underserved. He was known for his command of the facts and ability to analyze and communicate complex policy issues, as well as his ethics and loyalty to his caucus and constituents.
Itkin is survived by his wife, Joyce (Hudak), sons Marc and Max, and daughter Laurie (Dan).
Due to the Corona Virus crisis restrictions, no public service is scheduled at this time. A Memorial Service and Celebration of his life will be held when the social distancing rules are relaxed.
Memorial Donations can be made in his memory to the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
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