Leo W. O'Brien
American politician from New York state
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Leo William O'Brien (September 21, 1900 – May 4, 1982) was an American journalist, radio and television commentator, and politician. A Democrat, he was most notable for his seven terms of service as a member of the United States House of Representatives from New York from 1952 to 1966.[1]
30th district (1953–1963)
29th district (1963–1966)
Leo W. O'Brien | |
|---|---|
O'Brien during his final term in 1965 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York | |
| In office April 1, 1952 – December 30, 1966 | |
| Preceded by | William T. Byrne |
| Succeeded by | Daniel E. Button |
| Constituency | 32nd district (1952–1953) 30th district (1953–1963) 29th district (1963–1966) |
| Member of the Port of Albany District Commission | |
| In office April 30, 1935 – March 27, 1952 | |
| Preceded by | Peter G. Ten Eyck |
| Succeeded by | Raymond F. Joyce |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Leo William O’Brien September 21, 1900 Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 4, 1982 (aged 81) Albany, New York, U.S. |
| Resting place | St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, New York, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Mabel C. Jean (m. 1925) |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Niagara University |
| Occupation | Journalist |
Early life
Nicknamed "Obie," O'Brien was born in Buffalo, New York on 21 September 1900, a son of Patrick O'Brien and Agnes O'Brien.[2][3][4] Patrick O'Brien was a Buffalo-area building contractor who later became responsible for construction at Niagara University.[5] Leo O'Brien was a 1918 graduate of Buffalo's St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and graduated from Niagara University in 1922.[2][6]
Early career
O'Brien worked as a newspaper journalist for the International News Service, and Albany Knickerbocker Press and Times-Union.[2] He was active in the Legislative Correspondents' Association and served terms as member of the board of directors,[7] secretary,[8] vice president,[9] and president.[10] O'Brien later became a radio and television commentator.[2] From 1935 to 1952 he was a member of the Port of Albany District Commission.[1]
Congressman
In 1952 he was the successful Democratic nominee for the United States House of Representatives seat left vacant by the death of William T. Byrne.[2] He was reelected seven times and served from April 1, 1952, until resigning on December 30, 1966, a few days before the end of his final term.[2] He was not a candidate for reelection in 1966.[2]
Policies
As a member of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, O'Brien was a leading advocate for Alaska and Hawaii statehood.[1] He also helped create the Fire Island National Seashore, and strongly advocated cleanup of the Hudson River and protecting it as a scenic waterway.[1]
Later life
_2.jpg)
After leaving Congress O'Brien served as Chairman of the Albany County Planning Board and the Adirondack Study Commission.[2]
He died at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, New York on May 4, 1982.[1] He was buried at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands.[2]
Family
Legacy
Federal building
The United States federal building in Albany, New York is named after for O'Brien.[12] It is located at the corner of Clinton Avenue and North Pearl Street, and contains facilities including a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).[13]
Honorary degrees
In 1959, O'Brien received the honorary degree of LL.D. from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in recognition of his efforts to promote Alaska statehood.[14] In 1960, O'Brien received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Niagara University.[15]
In 1961, he received an honorary LL.D. from Siena College.[16] In May 1966, O'Brien received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the Albany College of Pharmacy.[15]
Other
In April 1951, O'Brien was one of 20 journalists nationwide whose excellence in reporting was recognized with the Sigma Delta Chi Award.[17]
As additional recognition of his Alaska statehood efforts, in 1964 the state government named Mount Terrance, a mountain near Haines, Alaska after O'Brien's 10-year-old grandson.[18]