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Leo W. O'Brien
American politician from New York state From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
Family
O'Brien married Mabel C. Jean in 1925.[11] They were the parents of a son, Robert.[11]
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]
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References
Further reading
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