‘Steadfast advocate for the people’: Tributes to John Murtha

The following is a collection of statements Monday in reaction to the death of U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown:



“Michelle and I were deeply saddened today to hear about the passing of Congressman John Murtha. Jack was a devoted husband, a loving father and a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years. His passion for service was born during his decorated career in the United States Marine Corps, and he went on to earn the distinction of being the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. Jack’s tough-as-nails reputation carried over to Congress, where he became a respected voice on issues of national security. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife of nearly 55 years, Joyce, their three children, and the entire Murtha family.”

President Barack Obama



“With the passing of Jack Murtha, America lost a great patriot. He served our country on the battlefield winning two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. He served his country in his community winning the hearts of his constituents and served in the Congress winning the respect of his colleagues. On Saturday, he became the longest-serving member of Congress from Pennsylvania, and one of the most distinguished. He is well-recognized as a champion of our national security; always putting the troops and their families first. He quietly and regularly visited our men and women serving our country who were injured to assess their needs and offer them thanks and encouragement. As proud Marine, he was always Semper Fi! The nation saw his courage writ large when he spoke out against the military engagement in Iraq – winning him the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.

“Jack was also a hero in advancing scientific research to fight breast cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. He measured the strength of our country by our military might and also by the well-being of the American people. San Francisco lost a good friend in Jack Murtha. His leadership as Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee was essential in turning the Presidio from post to park.

“Dedicated to God and country, and devoted to Joyce and their family, Jack Murtha was a giant. All who served with him were honored to call him colleague. I was privileged to call him friend.

“I hope that is a comfort to Joyce; their children, Donna Sue, John and Patrick; and their grandchildren that so many people mourn their loss and are praying for them at this very sad time.”

House Speaker

Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.,



“The death of my friend Jack Murtha is a terrible personal loss and a profound loss for the people of southwestern Pennsylvania. Congressman Murtha nearly singlehandedly revived the economy of the region making sure the City of Johns-town and the surrounding area were well known to the decision makers in Washington. He taught local leaders how to fight for fairness and a share of the infrastructure investment being considered in Congress. Simply put: He delivered. Before Congressman Murtha was a powerful senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives, he was a friend, a soldier and a patriot. I’ve known him since I was in high school and our families were friends.

“Jack Murtha was a man’s man and an American’s American. He spoke from his heart and he had the courage of his convictions. No one in Congress cared more deeply and supported more consistently the men and women of our Armed Forces, even if his devotion drew fire on himself. He felt the same way about the Johnstown region, fighting fiercely for the tools to rebuild the collapsed economy and weathering whatever criticism came his way to create a better life for working families here.

“I want to extend my condolences to his wife, Joyce, his sons and daughter and all of his many friends in the region. Although he has been called to higher service, his legacy will endure for the families of southwestern Pennsylvania for many years to come.”

State Sen. John Wozniak, D-Westmont



“Like many, I was shocked and saddened to hear the news that Congressman Jack Murtha had passed away. While the congressman and I often differed when it came to politics, he always had my deepest respect. The thoughts and prayers of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania go out to Jack’s family.”

Rob Gleason, of Johnstown, chairman of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania and of Cambria County



“I am deeply saddened upon hearing the news of Congressman Murtha's passing.

Mr. Murtha was a decorated war veteran, a tenacious legislator and a champion for his constituents in the Greater Johns-town area. Mr. Murtha will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

State Rep. Frank Burns,

D-East Taylor Twp.



“Johnstown, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States have all lost a true defender of the middle class and a champion of issues that affect their everyday lives. Our hearts and prayer go out to his family now and in the difficult days ahead.”

State Rep. Bryan Barbin, D-Johnstown



“My friendship with Jack Murtha goes back to 1969. Under his tutelage, I served as a page in Harrisburg when I was in high school. We remained close friends and political allies through the years. I saw his ability to move mountains in Congress during my time as Senator, Lt. Governor and Acting Governor. He could reach across the aisle and make the kind of deals that brought jobs and opportunities to hard-pressed areas like ours.

“In just the last few weeks, he was instrumental with major manufacturing projects not only in Western Pennsylvania but throughout the state. And not only in Pennsylvania but throughout the country.

“While he could be gruff with critics and opponents, he had a huge heart and a tireless work ethic when it came to his district and his colleagues. This is a huge loss to our region. It is just not possible for someone to fill those shoes.”

Mark S. Singel, Johnstown native and former

state senator, lt. governor and acting governor of Pennsylvania



“His seniority played a big role in the amount of federal dollars coming back here. ... I’m sure (his death) is a loss to his family and constituents. They have my sympathy.”

Frank Mascara,

former U.S. rep. from Washington County who lost the Democratic primary to Murtha after redistricting following the 2000 census put them both in the same district



“The nation and the commonwealth have lost a tremendous leader and public servant. Congressman Murtha was always about helping those in need and maintaining the security and strength of our nation. He will be deeply missed, but revered for his passion, leadership and devotion to others. Congressman Murtha had a long-standing commitment to workforce development and worked closely with regional chambers of commerce to improve the economic situation in rural communities throughout western Pennsylvania. IUP was privileged to recognize his efforts with the naming of IUP at Northpointe as the John P. Murtha Center for Education and Workforce Development.

“Congressman Murtha also was a strong advocate for diabetes education and awareness. In 2007, IUP began its IUP Cares programming with a presentation on this topic, and we were proud to feature the Congressman as a speaker during the event. In 2003, we dedicated the John P. Murtha Institute for Homeland Security in recognition of his foresight and commitment to homeland security initiatives and his confidence in IUP’s homeland security initiatives. IUP also was privileged to present Congressman Murtha with an honorary doctor of laws degree in 1996.”

Tony Atwater, president, Indiana University

of Pennsylvania

“Congressman Murtha's death is a great loss for our country and our Commonwealth. He was a decorated Marine who served his country during the Korean War and volunteered for combat in Vietnam. He never forgot about our veterans, our troops or their families. He was a strong fighter for Johnstown, Cambria County and all of the 12th District.

“On a personal note, he was a good friend to me and my family for years. I am grateful for the support he gave to Governor Casey and to me in many campaigns over the last

25 years. Terese and I will keep Joyce and their family in our thoughts and prayers.”

U.S. Sen. Robert Casey



“I am deeply saddened to lose my dear friend and colleague Jack Murtha. He was a public servant in every sense of the word and his passing is a great loss to all of Pennsylvania. Joan and my thoughts are with his wife, Joyce, and their children.”

U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter



“Jack served his country in uniform and in Congress for many years, and his service will long be remembered and appreciated by the people of Pennsylvania.”

Pat Toomey, former

U.S. Rep. and Republican candidate for the Senate



“Pennsylvania lost one of its giants today. Congressman Murtha was one of the last great titans of the United States Congress who had the experience and the record of accomplishment to earn the respect of both the most conservative and progressive of his colleagues.

“From his heroism on the battlefield to his fierce advocacy for his constituents, Congressman Murtha never backed away from a fight. He had a firm sense of what he wanted to accomplish, and he refused to let anything stand in his way. We will miss his representation in Congress and his friendship here at home. My thoughts and prayers and those of my entire family go out to Congressman Murtha’s friends and relatives on this very sad day.”

Chris Doherty, mayor

of Scranton and Democratic candidate for governor

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the Murtha family at this very difficult time. His service to our nation in Congress reflected an unyielding commitment to his constituents, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and our nation.

“However, he holds my greatest respect for the courage he showed in serving as a United States Marine and subsequently becoming the first Vietnam combat veteran elected to Congress.

“In doing so, he gave a voice to millions of men and women who fought in an unpopular war and were not afforded the respect and care they earned and deserved.

“It was a privilege to work with him on a number of issues, and I am especially appreciative of the help he gave me as a mentor, whether it was on an approach within the halls of Congress, specific legislative items, or coming to my District to assist at key events. We should all be grateful for his commitment to public service for his District, Pennsylvania and this nation.”

Joe Sestak, U.S. Rep. from Delaware County and Democratic candidate for the Senate



“Today we mourn the loss of a great American figure who dedicated his life to serving his country both in the military and in the halls of Congress. Congressman Murtha had a storied 37-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps and in 1974 he became the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress.

“Just the other day, Congressman Murtha became the longest serving Pennsylvanian in the history of the House of Representatives. During his career, he worked hard to bring tens of thousands of middle class jobs to western Pennsylvania. His legacy as a fighter for his causes and his constituents will be remembered long after his passing.

“Our thoughts and prayers today are with the Congressman’s wife, his children and his grandchildren.”

Tim Kaine,

Democratic National

Committee chairman



“John Murtha may have represented western Pennsylvania, but he was the voice of hard-working Democrats across the Commonwealth. Representative Murtha's service to his country and the strength of his convictions made him a powerful force to be reckoned with on Capitol Hill. His career took him from Parris Island to Vietnam, from Harrisburg to Washington, D.C.

“He was a leader until the end, fighting for American values and middle class ideals. He stood up for veterans and stood firm in his beliefs, not caring as much about political expediency as what he thought to be in the best interest of his constituents and his country.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Murtha and extend my deepest condolences to his family.”

State Sen. Robert Mellow, D-Lackawanna County



“Jack Murtha was the first Vietnam veteran to serve in Congress and he was incredibly effective in his service in the House. He understood the misery of war. Every person who serves in the military has lost an advocate and a good friend today.”

U.S. Rep. David R. Obey,

D-Wis.



“(Murtha) served his country as a Marine in Vietnam and in Congress for more than three decades. He worked hard for western Pennsylvania and he consistently guarded the interests of our men and women in uniform.”

Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md.

House majority leader



“Jack was a Marine who fought for his country and brought his same fighting principles to the halls of Congress on behalf of his constituents and Pennsylvania. Not only have I lost a colleague but sadder yet, I’ve lost a friend.”

U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy

R-Pittsburgh



“He made sure that Washington, D.C., knew where Johns-town, Indiana, Kittanning and a lot of other sites in western Pennsylvania were located.”

State Sen. Don White,

R-Indiana



“I have never seen a more valiant defender of the men and women of our armed forces, nor a more steadfast advocate for our country’s unequaled national defense. Jack was a true patriot, and the Congress will be a much lesser place without him.”

U.S. Rep. Jerry Lewis

R-Calif.



“Today, our nation has lost a decorated veteran and the House of Representatives has lost one of its own. I was saddened to hear of John Murtha’s passing, and my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and loved ones.”

Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio,

House minority leader



“Jack Murtha didn’t just worry about his district. He worried about all of Pennsylvania and in some ways he worried about the entire country. He was really the congressman for the entire state of Pennsylvania. Sort of a super, uber-congressman.”

Gov. Ed Rendell



“Congressman Murtha was welcoming and encouraging to me from my first days in Congress. He supported and befriended many other members, helping them to learn how best to serve this country, this commonwealth and their districts.

“He was the dean of the delegation, always sitting in the same seat on the House floor where all Pennsylvania members – regardless of party – gathered around him to ask his advice or opinion.”

U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz, D-Philadelphia



“He’s bigger than life in so many ways. ... He’s a strong and powerful political titan, yet he’s very human and very soft-spoken.

“He wasn’t a table-banger in any sense of the word.”

T.J. Rooney,

Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman



“John Murtha’s legacy will be one of courage, of dedication and of never forgetting that the most important people in Washington aren’t in Washington – they’re the people back home in Johnstown and the entire 12th District who counted on their congressman to be their voice.”

Keith McCall,

D-Carbon,

Pennsylvania House Speaker

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