Richard I. Furbush

Richard I. Furbush (January 4, 1904 – July 15, 1990) was an American politician who served as President of the Massachusetts Senate.

Richard I. Furbush
Richard Furbush, circa 1953
President of the Massachusetts Senate
In office 1951–1957
Preceded by	Harris S. Richardson
Succeeded by	Newland H. Holmes
Member of the Massachusetts Senate from the 5th Middlesex District
In office 1943–1956
Preceded by	Louis Benedict Connors
Succeeded by	William E. Hays
Personal details
Born	January 4, 1904 Waltham, Massachusetts
Died	July 15, 1990 (aged 86) Waltham, Massachusetts
Nationality	American
Political party	Republican

Early life

Furbush was born on January 4, 1904, in Waltham, Massachusetts.^[1] He dropped out of high school after his sophomore year to help support his widowed mother (he later earned his high school equivalency from Harvard University extension courses). He first worked at a factory making sweater sleeves. He then worked for the Waltham Watch Company. During the 1950s he was vice president of Adams Engineering Co.^[2]

Political career

Furbush began his political career in 1936 by campaigning for Republican gubernatorial candidate John W. Haigis. Furbush ran for delegate to the state Republican convention, but lost to George Drury by 31 votes. Drury urged Furbush to run for Waltham city council. He was elected and the following year ran for a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.^[2] He served in the House from 1939 to 1943. He then represented the 5th Middlesex District in the Massachusetts Senate. In 1950 he was the majority floor leader. From 1951 to 1957 he was President of the Senate.^[1] In 1956, he ran for Secretary of the Commonwealth. He lost to incumbent Edward J. Cronin 53% to 46%.^[3] From 1957 to 1974, Furbush was executive secretary of the Metropolitan District Commission.

Furbush died on July 15, 1990, in Waltham, Massachusetts.^[2]

See also

• Massachusetts legislature: 1939, 1941–1942, 1943–1944, 1947–1948, 1949–1950, 1951–1952, 1953–1954, 1955–1956