Dr. Richard Moriarty, who helped create 'Mr. Yuk' poison warning for kids, dies at 83
A retired pediatrician from Pittsburgh who helped create the ‘Mr. Yuk’ poison warning for kids has died
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dr. Richard W. Moriarty, a retired pediatrician from Pittsburgh who helped create the bright green Mr. Yuk sticker that warns kids away from poisonous substances, has died. He was 83.
Moriarty passed away on Thursday, according to Jeffrey Fugh of the funeral home John A. Freyvogel Sons Inc., which is handling arrangements in Pittsburgh.
Moriarty was involved in establishing and developing the Pittsburgh Poison Center, where he served as director.
He died at UPMC Shadyside hospital several months after undergoing surgery, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
He told the newspaper that the response by children in focus groups to the Mr. Yuk sticker's sickly green color and upset face was instrumental — "the Mr. Yuk symbol was designed by kids for kids.” The poison awareness campaign began in 1971.
He grew up in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood and attended the University of Pittsburgh for college and its medical school, where he was a longtime faculty member. He also ran a private pediatric practice.
Moriarty served on the boards of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Pittsburgh Public Theater.
Survivors include his husband, David Hairhoger. Visitation is Sunday and Monday, with a private funeral on Tuesday.