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Singleton, a 52-year-old Newark, New Jersey native, dedicated his life to public service, making a lasting impact on Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s government and community. His sudden passing sent shockwaves through local government and advocacy circles.
Mayor Wanda Williams and Communications Director Mischelle Moyer confirmed his death to PennLive on Friday. Moyer said he died around 1:45 p.m. His cause and manner of death were not immediately released.
Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter, who worked closely with Singleton for years, said the news was devastating.
“He loved the city,” Carter said. “He just wanted the best for the city and especially for our youth.”
Singleton, a 1999 graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, served as a senior advisor to former Mayor Eric Papenfuse from 2014 to 2018. He later joined Mayor Williams' administration in 2022 as Chief Equity and Compliance Officer, overseeing city-wide equity initiatives.
He was also well known for his work as president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Diversity Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to creating economic opportunities for historically marginalized communities. He previously founded Singleton Education & Community Resources, Inc., which focused on educational equity.
Singleton described himself as a "tireless advocate for equity/ INTENTIONAL inclusivity where public dollars are being allocated," according to his LinkedIn bio.
Singleton was actively campaigning for a Harrisburg City Council seat in the May 20, 2025, primary election. He was among 13 Democratic candidates vying for four open seats. He had previously run for state House of Representatives in 2010 and 2012 but was unsuccessful.
The City of Harrisburg released a statement Friday night, honoring Singleton as a "dedicated public servant and cherished community leader."
Singleton is survived by his mother and children, along with extended family members.
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