John Garrahy
Encyclopedia
John Joseph Garrahy was the 69th Governor of Rhode Island from 1977 to 1985.
. In 1952, Garrahy attended the University of Buffalo and in 1953 he attended the University of Rhode Island
. Later that year, Garrahy joined the United States Air Force
, where he served until 1955. After his military service, Garrahy married Margherite De Pietro with whom he had five children.
in 1962 as a Democrat
, and served there until 1968. While in the Senate, he also served as Deputy Majority leader from 1963 onwards.
In 1968, Garrahy was elected Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, and served in that office until 1976, when he was elected Governor, defeating James Taft in the election. Garrahy served as Governor until 1985, after being reelected in 1978, 1980 and 1982. In 1980, Garrahy traveled to the Soviet Union
as part of an arms control delegation.
. Garrahy is also active in the Knights of Columbus
.
Early life
Garrahy was born on November 26, 1930 in Providence, Rhode IslandProvidence, Rhode Island
Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...
. In 1952, Garrahy attended the University of Buffalo and in 1953 he attended the University of Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island is the principal public research university in the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Its main campus is located in Kingston. Additional campuses include the Feinstein Campus in Providence, the Narragansett Bay Campus in Narragansett, and the W. Alton Jones Campus in West...
. Later that year, Garrahy joined the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
, where he served until 1955. After his military service, Garrahy married Margherite De Pietro with whom he had five children.
Political career
Garrahy was elected to the Rhode Island SenateRhode Island Senate
The Rhode Island Senate is the upper house of the Rhode Island General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. State of Rhode Island. It is composed of 38 Senators, each of whom is elected to a two-year term. Rhode Island is one of the 14 states where its upper house serves at a two-year...
in 1962 as a Democrat
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
, and served there until 1968. While in the Senate, he also served as Deputy Majority leader from 1963 onwards.
In 1968, Garrahy was elected Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, and served in that office until 1976, when he was elected Governor, defeating James Taft in the election. Garrahy served as Governor until 1985, after being reelected in 1978, 1980 and 1982. In 1980, Garrahy traveled to the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
as part of an arms control delegation.
Later life
In 1988, Garrahy was named to the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. Since 1992 he has served on the board of the Providence and Worcester RailroadProvidence and Worcester Railroad
The Providence and Worcester Railroad is a Class II railroad in the United States. The railroad connects from Gardner in central Massachusetts, south through its namesake cities of Worcester and Providence, Rhode Island, and west from Rhode Island through Connecticut and into New York City...
. Garrahy is also active in the Knights of Columbus
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in the United States in 1882, it is named in honor of Christopher Columbus....
.