Michael O'Pake - Misplaced Pages

American politician

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	(1940-02-02)February 2, 1940 Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	December 27, 2010(2010-12-27) (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

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.

Early life and education

O'Pake was born on February 2, 1940, in Reading, Pennsylvania to Michael E. and Anna M. O'Pake. He graduated from Reading Central Catholic High School in 1957. He received an A.B. from St. Joseph's University in 1961 and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1964. O'Pake was described as a devout Catholic.

Career

O'Pake was elected to the General Assembly of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1968.

In 1972, O'Pake was elected to represent the 11th district in the Pennsylvania State Senate. In November 2000, he was chosen as the Democratic Whip for the Pennsylvania State Senate. He was reelected to the Whip position for the 2011-2012 legislative term. 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.

Death

O'Pake died on December 27, 2010, at age 70, following complications from heart bypass surgery. In 2011, Saint Joseph's University named their sports complex the O'Pake Recreational Center in O'Pake's honor.

References

"O'Pake re-elected as Senate Democratic whip". The Reading Eagle. 18 November 2010. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012.
^ ""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.
^ 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.
^ "Pennsylvania Senate - Michael A O'Pake Biography". Pennsylvania State Senate. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
^ "Many Reflect On Sen. O'Pake's Life, Service". 69 News. Archived from the original on 22 June 2020. Retrieved 2020-06-22.
^ 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".

External links

Follow the Money - Mike O'Pake
- 2006 2004 2002 2000 campaign contributions
Appearances on C-SPAN

Pennsylvania State Senate
Preceded byRobert Gerhart	Member of the Pennsylvania Senate for the 11th District 1973–2010	Succeeded byJudy Schwank
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Preceded byDistrict Created	Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 126th District 1969–1972	Succeeded byHarold Stahl
Party political offices
Preceded byLeonard Bodack	Democratic Whip of the Pennsylvania Senate 2001–2010	Succeeded byAnthony Williams
Preceded byNone Position made elected	Democratic nominee for Attorney General of Pennsylvania 1980	Succeeded byAllen Ertel

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