Donnie Iris: Memorial Gathering To Be Held For Late Pittsburgh Rocker

PITTSBURGH, PA — Fans of the legendary Pittsburgh musician Donnie Iris will have the opportunity to say a final farewell to the iconic rocker this week.

Although services and interment were private following Iris' death last week, a memorial and register book will be on hand for people on Thursday. They will be available at Gabaueer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Blackhawk Road in Beaver Falls.

"The family will not be in attendance (at) this event, but everyone is welcome to leave a heartfelt message of words of condolences," Iris' obituary states. "These messages will be collected and returned to the family as a way to show love, support and appreciation so many have for Donnie."

Iris, 83, died Oct. 26after a four-year battle with bladder cancer.

Born Dominic Ierace, Iris was known for his work with the Jaggerz and Wild Cherry in the 1970s and for his 1980s solo career with the Cruisers in the 1980s.

He wrote the number 2 Billboard hit "The Rapper" with the Jaggerz. His hits as a solo performer in the 1980s included "Ah Leah!," which went to number 29 on the charts and "Love Is Like a Rock," which peaked at number 37.

Iris recently announced his retirement from live performances after a Sept. 28 performance at the grand opening of Citizens Live at the Wylie, Pittsburgh's newest concert venue near PPG Paints Arena.

Iris' family is asking that no floral donations be made for the upcoming memorial. Instead, they are asking for donations to a scholarship fund and cancer research fund that will be formed in the near future.