Monroeville, PA, September 5, 2025 – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny), State Representative John Inglis (D-Allegheny), and State Representative Andrew Kuzma (R-Allegheny/Washington), together with representatives from PennDOT, today honored the life and service of the late Honorable Raymond T. Book during a ceremony at the Whitehall Borough Building, where they announced the designation of a portion of Pennsylvania Route 51 as the Honorable Raymond T. Book Memorial Highway.
“Raymond Book was a decorated veteran, elected official, and community leader whose life exemplified dedication and service,” said Senator Pisciottano. “Designating this highway in his honor ensures that his legacy and contributions will be remembered.”
Raymond T. Book proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II, earning the WWII Victory Medal and numerous other commendations. Following his honorable discharge, he worked for more than three decades in the steel industry at J&L Steel before building a successful career in real estate spanning over forty years.
In 1980, Book was elected to Whitehall Borough Council, marking the beginning of his long career in public service. Two years later, he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he served three consecutive terms. During his tenure, he championed important legislation, including Pennsylvania’s landmark Organ Donor Bill.
Book later served as Director of the Real Estate Appeals Department and as a member of the Pennsylvania Real Estate Board. Even in retirement, he remained an active volunteer, dedicating countless hours to serving patients at local hospitals.
“Through his time serving his country, the Commonwealth, and his community, Raymond Book was an exemplary public servant,” said Representative Inglis. “We can proudly honor his lifetime of service with this well-deserved highway designation.”
“Although I never personally met Representative Raymond Book, it has been my honor to know his family and through them learn about the lifetime of contributions he made to his country, Whitehall community and family,” said Representative Kuzma. “An honor well deserved!”
Representatives from PennDOT also joined the ceremony to mark the designation. “The department is honored to be part of this dedication ceremony recognizing Raymond T. Book for his significant contributions to family, community, and country,” said PennDOT District 11 Executive Jason Zang. “With over 9,000 vehicles utilizing this busy corridor each day, motorists will now see signage dedicating this portion of roadway as the Raymond T. Book Memorial Highway in Whitehall Borough for generations to come.”
Linda Book, daughter of Raymond T. Book, Whitehall Borough Councilwoman, and District Office Manager for Representative Kuzma, attended the ceremony to represent the family.
“On behalf of my family, there are countless words of love and respect we could share about our father,” said Linda Book. “Above all, the affection and devotion he showed to us throughout his life will always be reflected in the love and pride we hold for him.”
The legislation designating the stretch of Route 51 from Nurnberger Drive to Stilley Road (Segment 0280/Offset 0000 to Segment 0300/Offset 0570) within Whitehall Borough, Allegheny County, now Act No. 17 of 2025, unanimously passed the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives earlier this summer.