Dick Thornburgh

Date of Birth: July 16, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: December 31, 2020

Biography

Richard Lewis “Dick” Thornburgh was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 41st Governor of Pennsylvania from 1979 to 1987 and the United States Attorney General under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush from 1988 to 1991. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Thornburgh graduated from Yale University with a degree in engineering and earned his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He began his career in private practice before moving into public service, holding various legal and political positions. Known for his integrity and dedication to public service, Thornburgh played a significant role in various key events, including the Three Mile Island nuclear incident and the Iran-Contra affair.

5 Interesting Facts about Dick Thornburgh

1. Thornburgh was instrumental in handling the Three Mile Island nuclear accident in 1979, where his calm and transparent approach helped maintain public trust.

2. He was a staunch advocate for individuals with disabilities and played a pivotal role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

3. Prior to his tenure as Governor, Thornburgh served as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, where he gained a reputation for vigorously pursuing corruption cases.

4. Thornburgh ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 1991, losing to Harris Wofford in a special election.

5. He authored a memoir titled “Where the Evidence Leads,” detailing his career in public service and his philosophy on governance and law.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dick Thornburgh

1. “A public official must understand that the public trust is more important than any personal gain.”

2. “Good government is the result of the wise management of public resources and the fair application of the law.”

3. “The safety of our citizens must always come first, and that requires transparency and honesty from those in power.”

4. “The law must be a shield for the powerless and a tool for justice.”

5. “Public service is a calling that requires dedication, integrity, and a willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Dick Thornburgh was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Dick Thornburgh had four sons: John, David, Peter, and William. His family has been supportive of his public service career, and his son David Thornburgh is well-known in Pennsylvania for his own contributions to public policy and civic engagement.