The loyalty he inspired in his coworkers is only one way to measure the illustrious career of Fred Rogers.
But as the names of acquaintances memorializing "Mr. Rogers" stack up, loyalty could be one of the most honorable tributes to the man who invited children worldwide into his neighborhood.
Many of Rogers' coworkers and costars on "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" worked with him for more than 20 years, all contributing to the children's program that aired for more than three decades.
The late Johnny Costa, who died in 1996 at age 74, served as music director and pianist on the show from its inception. Costa was a native of Arnold and New Kensington.
Costa's son, John D. Costa of Lower Burrell, said his father had the opportunity to work in New York City, but he decided to stay home and work with Rogers.
"He finished his life with Fred," Costa, 56, said Thursday. "Even as other offers came through, my dad never wanted to leave Fred. He never had a better friend than Fred Rogers."
Costa said the relationship between his father and Rogers was more of a family tie than a business association.
When Johnny Costa fell ill in the early 1990s, Rogers would frequently visit him at home, John Costa said.
"Everyone on the show, it was like a family," Costa said. "When my son was a year old, Fred had him on the show. We all were on the show."
Costa said an episode he personally appeared in was rebroadcast just last month. He demonstrated how to make pasta.
"We were in Italy and saw an episode dubbed in Italian," Costa said. "Mr. Rogers in Italy -- we couldn't believe it!"
Costa called both Rogers and Johnny Costa amazing artists.
"Fred would listen to my dad play and just make up the lyrics as they went," Costa said. "I hope Fred and my dad are up in heaven now, making more great music."
The music Costa played is one of many poignant memories Lenny Meledandri has of the show.
"The sound of that piano at the beginning ... You knew Mr. Rogers was on," said Meledandri, a New Kensington native now living in Carlisle.
Meledandri began his career with "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" in 1980 as Rogers' personal assistant. He later would become a musical assisant to Costa and the voice behind Prince Tuesday, one of many puppets that made up the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
"My mind goes through 21 years of file folders," Meledandri said when asked to recall his years on the show.
Meledandri said some of the most vivid memories he has of Rogers are when the two of them would crouch in the tight space behind the set of the castle, manipulating the puppets.
"I remember how his face would change when his puppet's voice would change," Meledandri said. "He'd go from playful to mischievous to thoughtful. I think I was one of few to see that happen."
Other incidents Meledandri recalled were Rogers giving him a tour of New York City when Rogers received his Lifetime Achievement Emmy in 1997 and Rogers' reaction to satiric spoofs of the show.
"When it seemed like the wind would blow against him, he was able to take that wind and blow to new heights," Meledandri said.
"He told me that the distance between the viewer and us was holy ground. I had only to worry about the puppets," Meledandri said. "God would carry the message."
Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister.
"It was an incredible blessing to be a part of that ministry," Meledandri said, "and to work with so many talented people."
