Leo W. O'Brien
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 service as a member of the United States House of Representatives from New York for 14 years (1952-1966).[1]
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) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 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. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Mabel C. Jean (m. 1925) |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | Niagara University |
| Occupation |
|
Early life
Nicknamed "Obie," O'Brien was born in Buffalo, New York.[2] He graduated from Niagara University in 1922.[2] O'Brien worked as a newspaper journalist for the International News Service, and Albany Knickerbocker Press and Times-Union.[2] He 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]
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
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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]
Legacy
Federal building
The United States federal building in Albany, New York is named after for O'Brien.[4] It is located at the corner of Clinton Avenue and North Pearl Street, and contains facilities including a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).[5]
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.[6] In 1960, O'Brien received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Niagara University.[7]
In 1961, he received an honorary LL.D. from Siena College.[8] In May 1966, O'Brien received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the Albany College of Pharmacy.[7]
Other
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.[9]
References
- Walter H. Waggoner (May 5, 1982). "Leo W. O'Brien, 81, is Dead; Former Albany Congressman". New York Times. Retrieved 2014-07-30.
- U.S. Congress (2005). Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774-2005. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office. p. 1669. ISBN 978-0-16-073176-1 – via Google Books.
- U.S. House of Representatives (1960). Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the 86th Congress, Second Session. Vol. 106, Part 5. Washington, DC: US Government printing Office. p. 6031 – via Google Books.
- "Honor for O'Brien Proposed". The Post-Star. Glens Falls, NY. July 29, 1972. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Albany Military Entrance Processing Station". MEPS Information. United States Military Entrance Processing Command. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
- "Record Number Receive Degrees: O'Brien's Talk Lauds Greatest". Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. Fairbanks, AL. May 18, 1959. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
- "Rep. Leo W. O"Brien To Speak To June Graduates". Alumni News. Albany, NY: Albany College of Pharmacy. May 1, 1996. pp. 1, 4.
- "Honorary Degree Recipients". Siena.edu. Loudonville, NY: Siena College. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
- "Alaska Mountain Named". New York Times. New York, NY. July 15, 1964.
Further reading
- United States Congress. "Leo W. O'Brien (id: O000015)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
- Leo W. O'Brien at The Political Graveyard
- Associated Press, Toledo Blade, Death notice, Leo O'Brien, May 5, 1982