Neighboring, Senior Judges Fill Wyda's Vacancy (for Now) in Bethel Park-Upper St. Clair

Robert C. Wyda oversaw his final cases at the Bethel Park-Upper St. Clair Township magistrate's office on Aug. 5. The 54-year-old district judge died of a heart condition that night.

Filling in for Wyda on an emergency basis two days later and on Monday—the one-week anniversary of his death—was Judge Blaise P. Larotonda of the neighboring Mt. Lebanon-Dormont Borough district. When courts resume at Wyda's former office on Aug. 26, it'll be senior, or retired, Judge Eugene L. Zielmanski who will take over for Larotonda.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is assigning the senior judges who fill in for Wyda, a representative of the late judge's office said. Zielmanski is expected to oversee cases in Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair through September. Senior Judge Charles A. McLaughlin Jr. is expected to replace Zielmanski for October.

What happens after October remains to be seen, another representative said. Wyda's term as the district's magistrate didn't expire until Jan. 1, 2018, so it is possible that a special election for a new judge could be held before then.