Michael A. O'Pake (February 2, 1940 – December 27, 2010) was an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 11th District from 1973 to 2010. He served as the Democratic Whip in Pennsylvania from 2000 to 2010.[1]
Michael A. O'Pake | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 11th district | |
| In office January 2, 1973 – December 27, 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Gerhart |
| Succeeded by | Judy Schwank |
| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 126th district | |
| In office January 7, 1969 – November 30, 1972 | |
| Preceded by | District Created |
| Succeeded by | Harold Stahl |
| Democratic Whip of the Pennsylvania Senate | |
| In office January 2, 2001 – December 27, 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Leonard Bodack |
| Succeeded by | Anthony Williams |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 2, 1940 Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | December 27, 2010 (aged 70) Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence(s) | Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Saint Joseph's University (AB) University of Pennsylvania (JD) |
| Profession | Attorney |
Early life and education
editO'Pake was born on February 2, 1940,[2] in Reading, Pennsylvania to Michael E. and Anna M. O'Pake.[3][4] He graduated from Reading Central Catholic High School in 1957.[5][6] He received an A.B. from St. Joseph's University in 1961[5][6] and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1964.[4][7] O'Pake was described as a devout Catholic.[5]
Career
editO'Pake was elected to the General Assembly of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1968.[2]
In 1972, O'Pake was elected to represent the 11th district in the Pennsylvania State Senate.[2] In November 2000, he was chosen as the Democratic Whip for the Pennsylvania State Senate.[8] He was reelected to the Whip position for the 2011-2012 legislative term.[2] He served as the first chairman of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee and wrote the Child Protective Services law to help victims of child abuse.[2][3]
Death
editO'Pake died on December 27, 2010, at age 70, following complications from heart bypass surgery.[2] In 2011, Saint Joseph's University named their sports complex the O'Pake Recreational Center in O'Pake's honor.[9]
References
edit- ^ "O'Pake re-elected as Senate Democratic whip". The Reading Eagle. 18 November 2010. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f ""State Sen. Michael O'Pake has died", The Reading Eagle, December 27, 2010". Archived from the original on December 30, 2010. Retrieved December 27, 2010.
- ^ a b Holmes, Kristen (28 December 2010). "Obituary: Michael A. O'Pake / Longest-serving member of state Legislature". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on 22 June 2020. Retrieved 2020-06-22.
- ^ a b "Pennsylvania Senate - Michael A O'Pake Biography". Pennsylvania State Senate. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
- ^ a b c "Many Reflect On Sen. O'Pake's Life, Service". 69 News. Archived from the original on 22 June 2020. Retrieved 2020-06-22.
- ^ a b Bautsch, Florence (15 February 1980). "Sen. O'Pake believe Attorney general people's lawyer". Newspapers.
- ^ "O'PAKE PLANS TO SEEK 7TH TERM IN STATE SENATE". mcall.com. 27 January 1996. Archived from the original on 22 June 2020. Retrieved 2020-06-22.
- ^ "O'Pake named Senate minority Whip". Newspapers. 16 November 2000.
- ^ "Recreation Center Named For O'Pake '61".