Nation : Penn. Speaker, 57, Dies Hours Before Announcing Retirement

State House Speaker James J. Manderino collapsed and died at his home early today, just hours before his plan to retire next year was to be announced, an aide said. He was 57.

Manderino was stricken as he was getting out of bed at his home in Monessen, 25 miles south of Pittsburgh, said an aide, Charles Bacas. The cause of death was not immediately known.

Bacas said he had planned to issue a statement today announcing that Manderino would retire when his 12th House term ended next December. Manderino had just completed his first year as Speaker after serving previously as Democratic leader.

Manderino was known for his sharp tongue and his once-immense stature. He weighed a reported 350 pounds before recently shedding more than 100 pounds.