Dick Thornburgh

Dick Thornburgh
Dick Thornburgh
Born	Richard Lewis Thornburgh 16 7, 1932
Birthplace	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	Template:Death date and age Verona, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Lawyer, politician, author
Known for	41st Governor of Pennsylvania, 76th United States Attorney General, advocacy for disability rights, Three Mile Island crisis management
Education	Yale University (B.S.) University of Pittsburgh (LL.B.)
Spouse(s)	Template:Marriage Template:Marriage
Children	4
Awards	Presidential Citizens Medal (2008)

Richard Lewis Thornburgh (July 16, 1932 – December 31, 2020) was an American lawyer, politician, and author who served in prominent roles at both the state and federal levels of government over a career spanning more than five decades. A member of the Republican Party, Thornburgh served as the 41st Governor of Pennsylvania from 1979 to 1987, during which time he managed the state's response to the Three Mile Island nuclear accident, one of the most significant nuclear emergencies in American history. He subsequently served as the 76th United States Attorney General from 1988 to 1991 under presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. Earlier in his career, he served as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania and as the United States Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division. Following his government service, Thornburgh served as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and became a prominent advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, a cause deeply rooted in his personal life. He spent much of his later career as a partner at the global law firm K&L Gates in Pittsburgh, where he had begun his legal career decades earlier.

Early Life

Richard Lewis Thornburgh was born on July 16, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He grew up in the Pittsburgh area, a region that would remain central to his personal and professional life for the entirety of his career. Thornburgh was raised during the Great Depression and came of age in the years following World War II, a period of significant economic transformation in western Pennsylvania.

Thornburgh's personal life was marked early on by tragedy. He married his first wife, Ginny Hooton, in 1955. In 1960, Ginny was killed in an automobile accident that also severely injured their youngest son, Peter, who sustained a traumatic brain injury that left him with permanent disabilities. The experience of raising a son with significant disabilities profoundly shaped Thornburgh's worldview and would later inform his advocacy on disability rights policy at the highest levels of government. He married his second wife, Ginny Judson, in 1963, and together the couple raised four sons.

The challenges Thornburgh faced in securing appropriate care, education, and services for Peter became a driving force behind his commitment to disability rights legislation. He spoke publicly and frequently about how his son's experience opened his eyes to the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in American society.

Education

Thornburgh attended Yale University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. He subsequently enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree. His legal education at the University of Pittsburgh established a lifelong connection with the institution; Thornburgh later donated his extensive archive of personal and professional papers to the university, and the school established the Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy in his honor.

After completing his law degree, Thornburgh began his legal career in Pittsburgh, joining the law firm that would eventually become K&L Gates, one of the largest law firms in the world.

Career

United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania

In 1969, Thornburgh was appointed by President Richard Nixon as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, a position he held until 1975. During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, Thornburgh built a reputation as a vigorous prosecutor who pursued cases involving public corruption, organized crime, and drug trafficking. His work in the Western District brought him recognition within the Department of Justice and the broader legal community, establishing him as a prominent figure in federal law enforcement in western Pennsylvania.

Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division

In July 1975, President Gerald Ford appointed Thornburgh as the United States Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, the senior Department of Justice official responsible for overseeing all federal criminal prosecutions. Thornburgh served in this capacity under both Ford and, briefly, President Jimmy Carter, holding the position until March 1977. During his time leading the Criminal Division, he oversaw significant federal prosecution efforts and further developed his expertise in criminal justice administration.

During the transition between the Ford and Carter administrations, Thornburgh briefly served in acting capacities at the Department of Justice. He served as Acting Deputy Attorney General from January 20 to March 12, 1977, and as Acting Attorney General from January 20 to January 26, 1977, during the brief period before President Carter's nominee, Griffin Bell, was confirmed by the Senate.

Governor of Pennsylvania (1979–1987)

Thornburgh was elected the 41st Governor of Pennsylvania in 1978 and took office on January 16, 1979. He served as lieutenant governor alongside William Scranton III. He won reelection in 1982 and served two full terms, leaving office on January 20, 1987, when he was succeeded by Bob Casey Sr.

Three Mile Island Crisis

Less than three months after taking office, Thornburgh faced one of the most significant crises in the history of American nuclear energy. On March 28, 1979, a partial nuclear meltdown occurred at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The accident, which resulted in the release of small amounts of radioactive gases, created widespread public panic and raised fundamental questions about the safety of nuclear power in the United States.

As governor, Thornburgh was thrust into the role of managing the state's response to the emergency. He was responsible for communicating with the public, coordinating with federal agencies including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and making critical decisions about potential evacuations. Thornburgh's measured and calm handling of the crisis was noted by observers, and his management of the Three Mile Island emergency became one of the defining episodes of his governorship.

Governorship: Policy and Administration

During his eight years as governor, Thornburgh pursued an agenda focused on economic development, fiscal responsibility, and government reform. His administration coincided with a period of economic transition in Pennsylvania, as the state's traditional steel and manufacturing industries faced significant decline. Thornburgh worked to diversify Pennsylvania's economy and attract new industries to the state.

His predecessor was Milton Shapp, and Thornburgh's two terms represented a shift in the state's political direction. Thornburgh's governorship was marked by efforts to modernize state government and address the economic challenges facing Pennsylvania's industrial communities.

United States Attorney General (1988–1991)

On August 12, 1988, Thornburgh was appointed as the 76th United States Attorney General by President Ronald Reagan, succeeding Edwin Meese. He continued in the position under President George H. W. Bush, serving until August 15, 1991. During his tenure, his deputy attorneys general included Harold G. Christensen, Donald B. Ayer, and William Barr, the last of whom would succeed Thornburgh as Attorney General.

As Attorney General, Thornburgh oversaw the Department of Justice during a period of significant legal and political developments. His tenure encompassed the final months of the Reagan administration and the first years of the Bush presidency. One of the most consequential aspects of Thornburgh's service as Attorney General was his role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Drawing on his personal experience as the father of a son with disabilities, Thornburgh was a forceful advocate within the Bush administration for the landmark civil rights legislation, which prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications.

The Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund later noted that Thornburgh considered his role in the passage of the ADA to be among the most satisfying accomplishments of his career. He was quoted as saying: "Perhaps the most satisfying change the administration was able to bring about was the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act."

Thornburgh was succeeded as Attorney General by William Barr, who had previously served as his deputy.

1991 Senate Campaign

Following his departure from the Attorney General's office in 1991, Thornburgh ran for the United States Senate from Pennsylvania in a special election to fill the seat vacated by John Heinz, who had been killed in a plane crash. Despite initially being considered the favorite in the race, Thornburgh lost the election to Democrat Harris Wofford in an upset that was attributed in part to public concerns about the economy and health care. The defeat marked the end of Thornburgh's career as an elected or appointed government official in the United States.

United Nations Service

After his Senate campaign loss, Thornburgh served as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, where he was tasked with oversight and administrative reform responsibilities. His work at the United Nations drew on his extensive experience in public administration and government management.

Return to Law Practice

Following his government and international service, Thornburgh returned to the practice of law at K&L Gates (and its predecessor firms) in Pittsburgh, where he had begun his legal career decades earlier. He remained a partner at the firm for the remainder of his professional career, a relationship that spanned approximately six decades in total.

In March 2019, K&L Gates announced Thornburgh's retirement from the firm, noting his "six decades of service to firm, public." The firm praised his contributions both to its practice and to public life, highlighting his career in government and his advocacy work.

Throughout his later career at K&L Gates, Thornburgh remained active in public policy discussions, legal scholarship, and advocacy for disability rights. He also served as counsel in various high-profile legal matters and continued to be a respected voice on issues of government ethics and reform.

Personal Life

Thornburgh was married twice. His first wife, Ginny Hooton, died in 1960 in an automobile accident that also left their son Peter with severe brain injuries. In 1963, he married Ginny Judson, who became his lifelong partner and an active participant in his public life and advocacy work. Together, the Thornburghs had four sons.

The experience of raising Peter, who required lifelong care due to his disabilities, was by Thornburgh's own account a transformative experience that shaped his approach to public policy. He became a prominent advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families, using his positions in government to advance legislation and policies that expanded protections and opportunities for people with disabilities.

Thornburgh maintained deep ties to Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania throughout his life. He was a member of the University of Pittsburgh community, having attended its law school and later donating his papers to the institution's library system. The University of Pittsburgh established the Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy, which continues to host programs and events examining issues at the intersection of law and public policy.

Thornburgh died on December 31, 2020, at Longwood at Oakmont, a retirement community in Verona, Pennsylvania. He was 88 years old. His death was confirmed by his son David Thornburgh. He was interred at Homewood Cemetery in Pittsburgh.

Recognition

Thornburgh received numerous honors and awards over the course of his career. In 2008, he was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by the President of the United States, in recognition of his contributions to public service and advocacy for disability rights.

The Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund honored Thornburgh following his death, describing him as a "disability rights pioneer and ally" and recognizing his instrumental role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

On October 15, 2022, the University of Pittsburgh's Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy hosted a program and celebration of life honoring Thornburgh's contributions to law, public policy, and public service. The event brought together colleagues, family members, and public officials to reflect on his legacy.

K&L Gates, the law firm where Thornburgh spent the bulk of his legal career, issued public statements both upon his retirement in 2019 and upon his death in 2020, recognizing his decades of service to the firm and to the public. The firm noted that Thornburgh's career represented an unusual combination of high-level government service and sustained commitment to the practice of law.

Thornburgh's extensive collection of personal and professional papers was donated to the University of Pittsburgh, where the Dick Thornburgh Papers serve as a significant archival resource for researchers studying American politics, law enforcement, disability rights, and nuclear energy policy.

His career was documented through extensive appearances on C-SPAN, which maintains an archive of his public appearances, speeches, and interviews spanning his years in government and beyond.

Legacy

Dick Thornburgh's legacy spans multiple areas of American public life. His management of the Three Mile Island crisis in 1979 established him as a steady and competent executive during one of the most significant nuclear emergencies in United States history. The episode became a defining moment not only of his governorship but of the national debate over nuclear energy safety, and his actions during the crisis have been studied by scholars of emergency management and public administration.

His role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is considered among his most enduring contributions to American law and society. The ADA transformed the legal landscape for approximately 43 million Americans with disabilities at the time of its enactment, establishing comprehensive protections against discrimination and mandating accessibility in public life. Thornburgh's advocacy for the legislation drew directly from his personal experience with his son Peter's disabilities, lending authenticity and moral weight to his efforts within the Bush administration.

As Attorney General, Thornburgh served during a period of transition in American politics and legal policy, bridging the Reagan and Bush administrations. His appointment of William Barr as Deputy Attorney General also had lasting implications, as Barr would go on to serve as Attorney General himself on two separate occasions.

Thornburgh's career also reflected a model of public service that combined elected office, appointed government positions, international service, and private legal practice. His six-decade association with K&L Gates, interrupted by extended periods of government service, represented an unusual pattern of moving between the public and private sectors while maintaining a consistent base in Pittsburgh.

The Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy at the University of Pittsburgh continues to serve as an institutional expression of his commitment to the intersection of legal scholarship and public service. The forum hosts regular programs examining contemporary issues in law and governance, ensuring that Thornburgh's interests in government reform, disability rights, and the rule of law continue to be explored by new generations of scholars and practitioners.