Santa who got no respect dies

PHILADELPHIA — The man famed in Philadelphia sports history as the Santa Claus who was booed and plunked with snowballs at an Eagles game on a winter day in 1968 has died.

Frank Olivo’s family said he died early Thursday after a long battle with heart disease, diabetes and other ailments. He was 66.

Olivo was filling in for a snowbound Santa when he was jeered and pelted with snowballs while going down the field to the tune of “Here Comes Santa Claus.”

Olivo’s cousin Richard Monastra said Olivo took it in stride, even telling one nearby fan who hit him squarely with a snowball that he could expect coal in his stocking.

And far from minding his moment in city sports history, Monastra said Olivo “gloried in it.”

Kennywood ends 1st day early

WEST MIFFLIN — Authorities said disturbances involving large groups of teenagers prompted an amusement park to end its opening day early.

Police in West Mifflin said the incidents at Kennywood Park were reported at about 8:30 p.m. Saturday, and the park closed a half-hour later. Police said the crowd of young people pushing, shoving and running through the park was dispersed by officers from responding departments.

A park spokesman said security officers reported four teenage girls had minor injuries. The park’s website said it is usually open until about 10 p.m.

Mother, son died of natural causes

PITTSBURGH — A woman found dead along with her infant son in an apartment died of pneumonia rather than a drug overdose as first suspected, authorities said Saturday.

Sara Kessler, 22, and her 9-month-old son, Carey, were found dead March 6 in their Millvale apartment.

The Allegheny County medical examiner’s office said that her death was a result of natural causes after an autopsy concluded that she succumbed to bronchial pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection of the heart.

Officials said the child, with no one to care for him, died of dehydration. His death was ruled accidental.

By The Associated Press