Murtha Remembered at the Local Level

Congressman John Murtha dead at age 77.

Congressman John P. Murtha (PA-12) passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon at 1:18 PM at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Virginia with his family at his bedside.

Murtha, 77, was Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in February of 1974, Murtha dedicated his life to serving his country both in the military and in the halls of Congress. A former Marine, he became the first Vietnam War combat Veteran elected to the U.S. Congress.

This past Saturday, February 6, 2010, Murtha became Pennsylvania’s longest serving Member of Congress.

As news of Murtha’s death traveled throughout the county, local leaders shared stories and offered their condolences.

“I met Jack in 1974 when he was running for Congress,” remembers Commissioner Jim Scahill. “His motorhome was broke down. He had it towed it in to Duncan Dodge (across from Noel Ford) He was stuck there all day. He came over to me, a strapping guy, I just came back from Nam a few years before. I Scahill-ized him! I was impressed with him. Nick Dorazio and I talked about Nam and got him on his way. I was impressed with military Major from Vietnam. Then he came back up for parades. We have been friends personally after that. When I became a coal lobbyist… I called him up, asked to see him. We had a relationship in my lobbying years. He brought as much as $200 million in federal funds to this county. Jack Murtha was a special individual. Congress is an institution of seniority and freshmen have it hard. I don’t know what we are going to do without him.”

“We were supposed to be in DC at end of month to meet with him,” Commissioner Rich Fink said. “It is sad day for 12th District and Armstrong County. I worry about the future and what that will mean to lose that seniority and respect.”

Commissioner Patricia Kirkpatrick urged the public to hold his family with prayers. “He has been a friend to Armstrong County, and a partner to this Board and past Boards.”

Ford City Mayor Marc Mantini called him “a friend to Ford City and Armstrong County.”

Mike Baker, chairman of the Republican Party in Armstrong County, often found himself on the opposite side of Murtha’s policies. “However, there is no doubt that he had a profound impact on Pennsylvania as a soldier, a business owner, a State Representative, and a Congressman. We offer our profound sympathies and condolences to Murtha’s family.”

State Representative Jeff Pyle (R-60) said he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Murtha. “He served our people faithfully and capably for many, many years. I have worked with him on a number of projects and always appreciated his assistance. Despite the level to which he rose and the respect he commanded, he never bought into it. He was just ‘Jack.’ We are lessened by his passing.”