Patrick J. Stapleton Jr.
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Patrick J. Stapleton (January 7, 1924 – March 13, 2001) was a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania State Senate.[2]
Patrick James Stapleton | |
|---|---|
| |
| Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 41st district | |
| In office June 8, 1970[1] – November 30, 2000 | |
| Preceded by | Albert R. Pechan |
| Succeeded by | Donald C. White |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 7, 1924 |
| Died | March 13, 2001 (aged 77) |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Madeline Feidler |
| Children | Patrick J. Stapleton III |
| Alma mater | Indiana University of Pennsylvania |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | U.S. Navy |
| Years of service | 1943-47 |
Life
Stapleton, a native of Indiana, Pennsylvania, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He graduated from Indiana State Teachers College, now known as Indiana University of Pennsylvania, in 1949.[3]
He was sworn in as a Pennsylvania State Senator for the 41st senatorial district on June 8, 1970.[2] He would become known as a "fixture in the state Senate."[4] He served as a leader in the Democratic Caucus as Policy Committee Chairman from 1983 through 1996 and as Caucus Administrator beginning in 1997.[2]
Stapleton retired prior to the 2000 election, supporting the eventual Democratic nominee, Jim McQuown in the "wide-open race" to succeed him.[5] However, McQuown lost to Donald C. White 54–46 in the general election.[6] He died in 2001.[7]
Legacy
The Patrick J. Stapleton Jr. Library at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania is named after him.[8]
His son, Patrick, is a member of the State Liquor Control Board.[9]