Obituary of Cecil J. Birt Cecil Jerome Birt, 71 -passed away after a fierce five-year battle with melanoma on April 16, 2019, in Pittsburgh, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Arabella Birt; his step-mother Lillian Singleton Birt; brother David Birt Sr.; and cousin Jean Smith He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sharon Birt and his daughter, Rev. Ashley A. DeTar Birt (Emily); siblings Jeffrey Birt, Carol Singleton and a host of nieces, nephews and great nephews. He graduated Aliquippa High School in 1965 and received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh in 1970. While there, he joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Cecil served his country in the U S Navy. As a civilian, he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He worked as an attorney for Port Authority of Allegheny County and as Assistant General Counsel for Westinghouse Electric Corporation. A Memorial Service will be held at East Liberty Presbyterian Church 15206 on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 10:30 am In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Melanoma Research and to the African American Alumni Council Golden 50 Scholarship Campaign. Make check payable to University of Pittsburgh, Office of Institutional Advancement. Arrangement by Thomas L. Nied Funeral Home, Inc. 7441 Washington Street Swissvale. www.niedfuneralhome.com