Michelle Peduto, former Western Pa. Catholic school superintendent, dies at 66
Catholic school students and faculty across Western Pennsylvania are mourning the loss of Michelle Peduto, the former Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, who died of metastatic breast cancer on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at her home in Sewickley. She was 66.
Peduto left behind a legacy of serving Catholic schools in Western Pennsylvania for 21 years, which culminated in 2019 when Bishop David Zubik named her director — later superintendent — of Catholic schools.
Her tenure was defined by two challenges, one of which began less than a year into her tenure, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced all schools to close their doors. Under her leadership, schools in the diocese were able to navigate the pandemic relatively smoothly, and by 2023, students in the diocese were recording test scores far above the national average.
Also during her tenure, starting in 2020, the diocese underwent a massive regionalization and consolidation plan which saw schools move under the oversight of four regional school systems. While many schools closed and merged as a result of this plan, the diocese credits this regionalization for stabilizing enrollment.
Peduto retired from her position as superintendent at the end of June, as she opted to spend time with her family while seeking treatment for the metastatic breast cancer which ultimately claimed her life.
In April, she received the 2024 Lifetime Commitment to Catholic Education award during a convention of the National Catholic Educational Association in Pittsburgh, a convention which she herself helped organize as one of her last acts as superintendent.
“She was a beautiful example of deep trust in the Lord,” wrote Bishop David Zubik in a letter announcing the news. “She leaves us a legacy of what it means to work for the building of God’s kingdom.”
