Michael Berquist, an assistant district attorney for Allegheny County and a graduate of Downingtown High School, has died at 42, writes Janice Crompton for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Berquist was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer nearly three years ago.

A longtime district attorney, Berquist built his career on prosecuting crimes, especially violent offenses.

“He handled a lot of very important cases,” said District Attorney Stephen Zappala. “Every time he was in the courtroom, juries would connect with him, judges respected him, and he was very professional.”

Berquist studied political science and history at the University of Pittsburgh. After graduating, he went on to Duquesne University School of Law. He graduated in 2004 and started working in the district attorney’s office soon after.

Distance from home did not affect his love for local sports teams.

“We used to joke around and ask him, ‘Does Philadelphia have a football team?’” said Zappala. “He was a big fan, but we tried the best we could to convert him.”

Read more about Michael Berquist in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette here.