Friends and family have called Joseph Pegher "the real deal."

Always there to help, Mr. Pegher was a pillar in his community, they said.

"He would do everything and anything for you," said Dana Cammarata, who knew Mr. Pegher professionally and personally. "He raised nine kids on his own after his wife died. He was an amazing person."

Mr. Pegher, of Marshall, died Saturday from a heart condition. He was 55.

Mr. Pegher co-owned and operated a well-drilling and pump services business started many decades ago by his father and which is currently being managed by his son, Ross and other family members.

When his wife died six years ago, "It was very hard," said his daughter, Jennifer. "He stepped up. He was there for us and it was almost like we still had a mom. He was there for us in every way that we needed."

Ms. Pegher said her dad was "all heart" and would give anything and everything he had to help someone else.

"If you needed help, he was there, no questions asked," she said. "And he never expected anything in return."

Mr. Pegher enjoyed hunting and fishing, and all outdoors activity. He was a member of the Millvale Hunting and Fishing Club, where he taught hunter safety classes. He was involved in various sports through his children, and was a member of the North Allegheny Football Boosters.

Darlene Smith, of Marshall, who got to know Mr. Pegher through the hunter safety course he taught, recalled when Mr. Pegher visited the home of a boy enrolled in his hunter safety course. The boy had missed the second class, and Mr. Pegher wanted to make sure he was still able to take his test for his hunting license. Mr. Pegher spent three hours of his own time helping the boy.

"There he was, helping someone out without really knowing him that well, while still taking care of his own children," she said. "But that's just how he was. He had a big heart."

Because of his presence in his community, people are reaching out to help the Pegher family. A trust fund has been set up for the Pegher children who range in age from 14 to early 20s, and all live at home. Those wishing to donate to the fund can do so through the First National Bank of Cranberry Township.

"I'm not surprised, but I am so grateful," said Ms. Pegher, of the outpouring of support from the community. "He did things for other people and never expected anything in return . . . so the love and support in the last few days has been amazing."

Mr. Pegher is survived by his nine children, Joseph Jr., Ross, Jennifer, Richard, David, Melanie, Mark, Daniel and Jonathan Pegher, and a sister, Mary Lou Gross, of Avon, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Pegher; a sister, Barbara LeFever, and a brother, Tim Pegher.

Services will be held this morning at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hampton.