PENN HILLS, PA – Josh Willy, a longtime educator and Gifted Coordinator at Penn Hills High School, Josh served the Penn Hills School District district for more than 23 years, He died after his car went over a guiderail and into a ravine near the Squirrel Hill Tunnel.
In a statement released to the school community, Superintendent John Mozzocio expressed the collective grief and sense of loss being felt by Josh’s colleagues and students. “Josh was a deeply valued colleague, and his tragic passing is felt by all of us,” said Mozzocio. “He was a wonderful teacher of AP World History and Honors Civics, and his work with our high school gifted students was exceptional. Please keep Josh’s family, friends, colleagues, and students in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Josh’s commitment to education extended beyond the classroom. As the Gifted Coordinator for the high school, he played a key role in nurturing and guiding students with exceptional talents. His students often spoke of his passion for learning and his ability to inspire them to think critically and engage deeply with the world around them. Whether teaching AP World History or Honors Civics, Josh had an unwavering dedication to helping his students succeed and grow, both academically and personally.
One of his former students, now in college, shared how Josh’s teaching had a profound impact on her. “Mr. Willy had this incredible way of making history feel alive,” she said. “He wasn’t just a teacher, he was someone who truly cared about each of us, both as students and as people. His lessons went beyond textbooks, and I’m so grateful for everything he taught me.”
The school district is not releasing details surrounding the circumstances of Josh’s death, out of respect for his family’s privacy. The district has been in close communication with Josh’s loved ones and is requesting that the community respect their need for space during this incredibly difficult time.
As the community processes this tragic loss, Penn Hills High School is providing resources to support those affected. Counseling services will be available at the high school on Saturday, January 18, from noon to 3 p.m. for students, families, and staff. Additionally, the school will make arrangements for continued counseling throughout the following week to ensure that anyone who needs support during this time will have access to it. The district’s priority is to provide the necessary emotional support to all those grieving Josh’s loss.
The outpouring of love and sympathy from students, parents, and colleagues speaks volumes about the legacy that Josh leaves behind. His dedication to education, his commitment to his students, and the kindness and warmth he brought to his work will be remembered by everyone whose lives he touched.
For the Penn Hills community, Josh Willy wasn’t just a teacher; he was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light. His absence will be deeply felt, and the entire district mourns alongside his family as they navigate this painful time.