J. Joseph Garrahy

J. Joseph Garrahy
69th Governor of Rhode Island
In office January 4, 1977 – January 1, 1985
Lieutenant	Thomas R. DiLuglio
Preceded by	Philip W. Noel
Succeeded by	Edward D. DiPrete
61st Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island
In office January 7, 1969 – January 4, 1977
Governor	Frank Licht Philip W. Noel
Preceded by	Joseph O'Donnell Jr.
Succeeded by	Thomas R. DiLuglio
Member of the Rhode Island Senate
In office 1963–1969
Personal details
Born	John Joseph Garrahy (1930-11-26)November 26, 1930 Providence, Rhode Island
Died	West Palm Beach, Florida
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Margherite DePietro
Children	5
Residence	East Greenwich
Alma mater	University at Buffalo University of Rhode Island
Profession	Politician
Religion	Roman Catholicism
Military service
Service/branch	United States Air Force
Years of service	1953-1955
Battles/wars	Korean War

John Joseph Garrahy (November 26, 1930 – January 24, 2012), known to Rhode Islanders as J. Joseph Garrahy or just "Joe," was an American politician. He served as the 69th Governor of Rhode Island from 1977 to 1985.

Early life

Garrahy was born on November 26, 1930 in Providence, Rhode Island. Garrahy achieved the rank of Eagle Scout on August 25, 1947, at age 16. He attended La Salle Academy in Providence, and in 1952 he attended the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. 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. Garrahy embarked on a business career, primarily as a salesman with the Narragansett Brewing Company.

Political career

Garrahy was elected to the Rhode Island Senate 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 the 61st Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, and served in that office until 1977.

Governorship

In November 1976 Garrahy was elected Governor of Rhode Island, defeating Republican James Taft in the general election. He took office in January 1977 and served as governor until 1985, after being reelected in 1978, 1980 and 1982.

The defining event of Garrahy's governorship was the Great Blizzard of 1978 when the entire state was inundated with between three and five feet of snow. Grarrahy lived in his office at the Rhode Island State House in Providence for a week until the crisis was under control. Garrahy was remembered for wearing a white turtleneck sweater under a red and black plaid flannel shirt during the crisis and became a template for public officials reacting to similar situations. Garrahy's naturally calm demeanor and pleasant personality provided comfort to many Rhode Islanders in distress during the blizzard's aftermath.

In 1980, Garrahy traveled to the Soviet Union as part of an arms control delegation. He did not seek re-election in 1984.

Although Republican candidates in Rhode Island were largely successful in the 1984 elections, Garrahy was not seen as a primary factor in their success. Despite political reform being a major campaign theme for Republicans that year, there were no scandals associated with Garrahy.

Later life

In 1988, Garrahy was named to the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. He had served on the board of the Providence and Worcester Railroad since 1992. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, and was also an active Rhode Island Commodore. Garrahy died in Florida on January 24, 2012. He was buried at New Saint Francis Cemetery in South Kingstown.

External links

• J. Joseph Garrahy entry at the National Governors Association

Political offices
Preceded by Joseph O'Donnell Jr.	Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island 1969–1977	Succeeded by Thomas R. DiLuglio
Preceded by Philip W. Noel	Governor of Rhode Island 1977–1985	Succeeded by Edward D. DiPrete