Vic Cianca

Victor S. Cianca Sr. (January 5, 1918 – January 24, 2010) was a traffic police officer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Police Bureau before he retired on January 4, 1983.[1] His flamboyant style of directing traffic led to appearances on the television program Candid Camera in 1964, and Allen Funt was so impressed he invited Cianca to direct traffic in New York City's Times Square. He also appeared on Charles Kuralt's CBS News documentaries, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Real People. He also guest conducted the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 1981.[2] He later appeared in Budweiser commercials and was featured in the movie Flashdance, playing himself.[3]

Vic Cianca
Cianca directing traffic with his white gloves
Born
Victor S. Cianca Sr.

(1918-01-05)January 5, 1918
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedJanuary 24, 2010(2010-01-24) (aged 92)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
OccupationPittsburgh Police officer
Known forAppearances on Candid Camera
SpouseAnna Marie

Upon his retirement in 1982, The Pittsburgh Press said that "A downtown traffic jam without Vic Cianca is a traffic jam with no redeeming qualities."[4]

Following his death, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette described him as a "Pittsburgh icon" with "affectionate yinzer spirit" on par with Fred Rogers and Myron Cope.[5]

References
  1. "Vic Cianca, Iconic Pittsburgh Police Officer, Dead At 92". WTAE-TV. January 25, 2010.
  2. Nereim, Vivian (January 26, 2010). "Obituary: Victor S. Cianca, Sr./Famous city traffic cop". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  3. Togneri, Chris (January 26, 2010). "Vic Cianca, who directed traffic with grace, humor, has died". Pittsburgh Tribune Review.
  4. Vondas, Jerry (November 1, 1982). "Vic Cianca Is Bowing Out of City's Traffic Scene". The Pittsburgh Press.
  5. Sciullo, Maria (January 27, 2010). "Where is the next generation of Pittsburgh characters?". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.


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