Former Justice Cappy Dies

Former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Ralph Cappy has died at age 65. Deputy Court Administrator Tom Darr says Cappy died suddenly Friday evening as he was preparing to leave his Green Tree home for a social engagement. The cause of death is unknown but Cappy recently underwent surgery for blocked arteries. Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell said he's "shocked and saddened" by Cappy's death and credited his leadership with helping to resolve the state's medical malpractice crisis. Chief Justice Ronald Castille said "Ralph Cappy had a deep and abiding love for the Supreme Court and for its mission to deliver justice to the citizens of Pennsylvania." Castille said Cappy was respected nationally and "was a justice of tremendous integrity and a tireless worker." Cappy served 10 years on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, became a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice in 1990 and served as Chief Justice from 2003 until he retired in January 2008. Following his retirement from the bench, Cappy joined the Pittsburgh law firm of Buchanan, Ingersoll and Rooney.