J. Joseph Garrahy, American politician, Governor of Rhode Island (1977–1985), died he was 81.

John Joseph Garrahy, known to Rhode Islanders as J. Joseph Garrahy or just "Joe," was an American politician  died he was 81.. He served as the 69th Governor of Rhode Island from 1977 to 1985.

(November 26, 1930 – January 24, 2012)

Early life

Garrahy was born on November 26, 1930 in Providence, Rhode Island. Garrahy achieved the rank of Eagle Scout on Aug. 25, 1947, at age 16.^[1] In 1952, he attended the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. In 1953, he attended the University of Rhode Island. Later that year, Garrahy joined the United States Air Force, where he served until 1955. After his military service, Garrahy married Margherite De Pietro with whom he had five children.^[2]

Political career

Garrahy was elected to the Rhode Island Senate in 1962 as a Democrat, and served there until 1968. While in the Senate, he also served as Deputy Majority leader from 1963 onwards.
In 1968, Garrahy was elected the 61st Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, and served in that office until 1977, when he was elected Governor, defeating James Taft in the election. He served as Governor until 1985, after being reelected in 1978, 1980 and 1982. In 1980, Garrahy traveled to the Soviet Union as part of an arms control delegation.

Later life

In 1988, Garrahy was named to the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. He had served on the board of the Providence and Worcester Railroad since 1992. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, and was also an active Rhode Island Commodore. Garrahy died in Florida on January 24, 2012.^[3]


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