In the heart of America’s Steel City, a man emerged whose life would embody the grit, determination, and dedication that define the American spirit. David Stewart Cercone, born on November 24, 1952, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has carved a remarkable path from a working-class neighborhood to the prestigious bench of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Appointed by President George W. Bush in 2002, Judge Cercone’s story is one of resilience, intellect, and an unshakable commitment to justice—a tale that resonates with Americans who value hard work and service.
Early Life: Roots in the Rust Belt
David Cercone grew up in Pittsburgh’s Stowe Township, a community forged by the steel industry’s boom and tempered by its challenges. Raised in a family that prized education and civic duty, Cercone showed promise early on. His father, a factory worker with a knack for storytelling, and his mother, a schoolteacher, instilled in him a love for learning and a sense of fairness. As a kid, he’d spend hours at the local library, devouring books on history and law, dreaming of a future where he could make a difference.
Cercone’s academic journey took him to Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in 1974. His sharp mind and relentless work ethic earned him accolades, but he wasn’t done. He headed to Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh, earning his Juris Doctor in 1977. Law school wasn’t just about textbooks for Cercone—it was where he honed his ability to argue, reason, and stand up for what’s right, skills that would define his career.
The Early Career: From Courtroom to Classroom
Fresh out of law school, Cercone didn’t waste time. He clerked for Judge Paul R. Zavarella of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas from 1978 to 1979, getting a front-row seat to the judicial process. Eager to fight for justice, he then joined the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney from 1979 to 1981. There, he tackled narcotics and violent crime cases, earning a reputation as a prosecutor who could stare down the toughest criminals without blinking.
But Cercone’s ambitions stretched beyond the courtroom. In 1978, he dipped his toes into private practice, and by 1982, he was back at it full-time, sharpening his legal skills until 1985. That same year, at just 32, he made history as the youngest person ever elected to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas—a feat that showcased his ability to win over voters from both sides of the aisle as the Democratic and Republican nominee. Before that, he’d served as a district justice for Stowe and McKees Rocks from 1982 to 1985, proving he could handle the nitty-gritty of local disputes with wisdom beyond his years.
Teaching became another passion. Since 1983, Cercone has been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, inspiring students with real-world tales of law and justice. He also taught at Robert Morris University, where his engaging style earned him the first-ever Student’s Choice Award in 2001—a nod from the next generation that he was more than just a judge; he was a mentor.
Rising Through the Ranks: A Judge for the People
Cercone’s 17-year tenure on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas (1986-2002) was a masterclass in judicial excellence. He served in both criminal and civil divisions, handling everything from murder trials to property disputes with a steady hand and a sharp eye for detail. In 1993, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court tapped him as administrative judge for the criminal division, a role where he streamlined operations and ensured justice moved swiftly but fairly.
His big break came in 2002 when President George W. Bush nominated him to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Confirmed unanimously by the Senate on August 1, 2002, Cercone took his oath on September 12, stepping into a seat vacated by Judge Donald J. Lee. It was a homecoming of sorts—back to Pittsburgh, where he’d serve the people who shaped him.
On the Federal Bench: Justice with Heart
As a federal judge, Cercone has presided over cases that hit home for everyday Americans—drug conspiracies, fraud, and civil rights disputes. His rulings reflect a balance of toughness and compassion. Take the 2019 case of Mark Fisher, a Pittsburgh man sentenced to 28 months for a crack cocaine conspiracy. Cercone didn’t just throw the book at him—he weighed the evidence and delivered a sentence that aimed to punish and rehabilitate. Or consider Jacqueline Waters in 2023, a 59-year-old woman who hid a marriage to keep Social Security benefits. With her health failing, Cercone opted for probation with community confinement, showing mercy without letting the crime slide.
In 2017, Cercone transitioned to senior status, a move that let him ease his caseload while staying active on the bench. It’s a role he still holds as of March 26, 2025, proving that even after decades of service, his passion for justice burns bright.
The Man Behind the Robe
David Cercone isn’t just a judge—he’s a family man and a community pillar. He and his wife, Mary Ann, have raised three children in Stowe Township, keeping their roots deep in the soil that raised him. A member of the Allegheny County Bar Association and the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania, he’s the kind of guy who’d rather mentor a kid than bask in the spotlight. Since 1999, he’s served on the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School board of visitors, giving back to the institution that shaped him.
Cercone’s no stranger to scrutiny—some say his bipartisan appeal raises eyebrows in today’s polarized world—but his record speaks for itself. He’s a judge who listens, weighs the facts, and rules with integrity, earning respect from lawyers, defendants, and citizens alike.
Legacy: A Pittsburgh Icon
From the streets of Stowe Township to the federal courthouse, David S. Cercone’s life is a testament to the American Dream. He’s the local boy who made good, the scholar who became a teacher, and the judge who never forgot where he came from. As he continues to serve, Cercone reminds us that justice isn’t just about laws—it’s about people, and he’s spent a lifetime fighting for both.