Education Niagara University | ||
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Died 4 May 1982, Albany, New York, United States | ||
Leo William O'Brien (September 21, 1900 – May 4, 1982) was a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from New York.
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Biography
Nicknamed "Obie," O'Brien was born in Buffalo, New York. He graduated from Niagara University in 1922. O'Brien worked as a newspaper journalist for the International News Service, and Albany Knickerbocker Press and Times-Union. He later became a radio and television commentator. From 1935 to 1952 he was a member of the Port of Albany District Commission.
In 1952 he was the successful Democratic nominee for the United States House of Representatives seat left vacant by the death of William T. Byrne. He was reelected seven times and served from April 1, 1952 until resigning on December 30, 1966, a few days before the end of his final term. He was not a candidate for reelection in 1966 and returned to the Albany area.
As a member of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, O'Brien was a leading advocate for Alaska and Hawaii statehood. In recognition of his efforts, in 1964 the State of Alaska named Mount Terrance, a mountain near Haines, Alaska after O'Brien's then 10-year-old grandson.
He also helped create the Fire Island National Seashore, and strongly advocated cleanup of the Hudson River and protecting it as a scenic waterway.
After leaving Congress O'Brien served as Chairman of the Albany County Planning Board and the Adirondack Study Commission.
He died at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, New York on May 4, 1982. He was buried at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands.
Legacy
The United States federal building in Albany, New York is named after him. It is located at the corner of Clinton Avenue and North Pearl Street, and contains facilities including a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).