A Pittsburgh Legend has died.

[fairgambit]

Gus Kalaris, the Ice Ball Man has passed away.
For over 70 years he brought happiness to tens of thousands.
Rest In Peace dear Gus!

Gus Kalaris, known as the 'Ice Ball Man' on Pittsburgh's North Side, dies

August “Gus” Kalaris often gave free ice balls to people who couldn’t afford one — he was known as the “Ice Ball Man.” He will be missed from his spot at the bright orange cart near West Park on Pittsburgh’s North Side. Kalaris died Friday night. For seven decades, Kalaris

triblive.com

 

[yeahtoasty]

We biked past his stand this afternoon shortly before this news broke. The stand was up and running, but I did notice that he wasn’t there. I regret not stopping for an icy ball.

He was a total sweetheart and a joyous part of the fabric of the city. He’ll be greatly missed.

(Side note — we biked there as part of “Open Streets Pittsburgh” which is a monthly event put together by WalkBike Pittsburgh. They close down city streets for a couple miles and set up vendors and entertainment along the way. Highly recommend. Today’s route stretched from the North Side through downtown and Market Square and then up into the Hill. Last months went from Market Square then through the Armstrong Tunnel and over to Carson Street. I think next month’s goes through the Strip and Lawrenceville.)