East End contractor known for generosity, love of sports

In several of Pittsburgh's East End neighborhoods, Greg Linver was regarded as an unofficial mayor and godfather for his interest in helping those who had fallen on hard times.

"If Dad heard of a family that was hurting because the father lost his job, he'd try to find some kind of temporary employment and provide a little cash to tide them over," said his son, Gregory Linver of Bloomfield.

"On one occasion, Dad heard that a family was facing a bleak Christmas since the father had lost his job. Several days before Christmas, the children not only had a tree but toys to go with it."

Gregory H. Linver of Bloomfield, formerly of East Liberty, owner of the Head Roofing and General Contracting Co., died on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, of injuries he suffered in a workplace accident. He was 57.

"Dad was also known for taking youngsters, primarily from low-income families, to sporting events, including Pirate baseball games," his son said. "My father was a professional roofer who owned and operated his own business. Dad was able financially and -- with support of others -- interested in helping those who were hurting."

Gregory Linver recalled what it was like growing up with a father who stressed the importance of hard work.

"He'd often say that you have to work for what you have if you're able, and not depend on someone else to take care of you. And he lived by that rule. He was always working."

Born in Scott and raised in East Liberty, Mr. Linver was one of three children in the family of Irving Linver, a chef, and his wife, Pauline Linver.

In the years after his graduation from Peabody High School in East Liberty, where he played football and baseball, Mr. Linver enrolled in Point Park College (now Point Park University), where he played baseball.

At one time, he had his own sandlot football team, Head's Gorillas.

Mr. Linver became involved in boxing and worked out regularly in PK Gym, Downtown. In the 1970s, he was a Golden Gloves champion in three weight divisions.

In recent years, Mr. Linver took an interest in the boxing career of Paul Spadafora of McKees Rocks, who won the International Boxing Federation lightweight title in 1999.

In addition to his son, Gregory, Mr. Linver is survived by his wife, Sarah Linver of Bloomfield; children, Anthony Linver of Bloomfield, Derek Linver of Morningside, Dane Linver of Troy Hill and Nicole and Taylor Linver, both of Lawrenceville; and two grandchildren.

Mr. Linver was preceded in death by his siblings, Arnie Linver and Sheila Shidner.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. today in Walter J. Zalewski Funeral Home, 216 44th St., Lawrenceville.