Albert Rosellini facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Albert Rosellini
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| Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office July 1, 1962 – July 21, 1963 |
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| Preceded by | Wesley Powell |
| Succeeded by | John Anderson Jr. |
| 15th Governor of Washington | |
| In office January 16, 1957 – January 13, 1965 |
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| Lieutenant | John Cherberg |
| Preceded by | Arthur B. Langlie |
| Succeeded by | Daniel J. Evans |
| President pro tempore of the Washington Senate | |
| In office January 12, 1943 – January 14, 1945 |
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| Preceded by | George A. Lovejoy |
| Succeeded by | Carl C. Mohler |
| Member of the Washington Senate from the 33rd district |
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| In office January 9, 1939 – January 14, 1957 |
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| Preceded by | James A. Murphy |
| Succeeded by | Frank Connor |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Albert Dean Rosellini
January 21, 1910 Tacoma, Washington, U.S. |
| Died | October 10, 2011 (aged 101) Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Resting place | Calvary Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Ethel McNeil
(m. 1937; died 2002) |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | University of Washington (BA, LLB) |
Albert Dean Rosellini (January 21, 1910 – October 10, 2011) was an important American politician. He served as the 15th Governor of Washington from 1957 to 1965. He was the first governor elected west of the Mississippi River who was both Italian-American and Roman Catholic.
During his 40-year career in politics, Rosellini was a very active leader. He worked to improve the state's prisons and mental health hospitals. He also helped expand the state highway system. He played a big role in creating the University of Washington's medical and dental schools. He also helped build the second floating bridge across Lake Washington. Rosellini lived a very long life, becoming the longest-lived U.S. state governor in history.
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Early Life and Education
Albert Rosellini was born in Tacoma, Washington. He was the only son of Italian immigrants, Annunziata and Giovanni Rosellini. His father ran a saloon.
Albert worked hard to pay for his college and law school education. He studied at the University of Washington and graduated in 1933.
Political Career
Serving in the Washington Senate
At just 29 years old, Rosellini was elected to the Washington State Senate. He was the youngest member at the time. He represented the 33rd district in south Seattle, where many Italian immigrants lived.
Rosellini was a New Deal Democrat. He served in the state senate from 1939 to 1957. During this time, he became the majority leader, which is a powerful position. In 1956, he was elected governor.
Becoming Governor of Washington
As governor, Albert Rosellini was known for getting things done. He was good at making decisions and moving forward with projects that had been stuck for a long time. Many people said he was not just talk; he made real changes.
A newspaper columnist once wrote that Rosellini's achievements are "everywhere." He focused on issues where he could see clear progress. These included improving the state budget, growing the economy, building transportation, and supporting education.
Rosellini was re-elected in 1960 by a small margin. He beat Republican Lloyd J. Andrews.
Key Achievements as Governor
To help the economy grow, Rosellini created a state department of commerce. He also strongly supported the Seattle World's Fair in 1962. This event brought many visitors and attention to Seattle.
He oversaw the building of the original Evergreen Point Floating Bridge. This bridge was the longest floating bridge in the world at the time. It opened in 1963 and carried State Route 520 across Lake Washington. The bridge was later named after Rosellini in 1988. A new floating bridge replaced it in 2016, and it also carries his name.
Rosellini was also a strong supporter of higher education. He made the state university system stronger. He also helped create a system of junior colleges across the state. During his time in office, he also improved how the state budget was managed and made sure the budget was balanced.
1964 and 1972 Elections
Rosellini tried to win a third term as governor in 1964. However, he was defeated by Republican Daniel J. Evans. The election campaign was very competitive. Rosellini tried to link Evans to Barry Goldwater, a conservative politician. Evans, in turn, accused Rosellini of financial issues.
Rosellini tried to become governor again eight years later in 1972. He won the Democratic nomination. But he was again defeated by Daniel Evans.
Life After Governorship
After leaving office in 1965, Rosellini went back to practicing law. He also became a political consultant. He advised on matters related to the liquor and entertainment industries.
Over the years, Rosellini became an important older figure in the state's Democratic Party. He mentored many political leaders, including future Washington governors Christine Gregoire and Gary Locke.
Until his death, Rosellini continued to attend fundraisers for political candidates. He also helped raise money for charities. He chaired the Washington State Olympics Committee for many years. A newspaper columnist once wrote that his achievements made other governors look like "slackers."
Personal Life
Albert Rosellini married Ethel McNeil in 1937. They were married for 64 years until Ethel passed away in 2002. They had five children together. Albert and Ethel had a very loving and happy marriage. Rosellini was a practicing Catholic.
Later Years and Death
Rosellini celebrated his 100th birthday in January 2010. He was one of the few U.S. state governors to live to be 100 years old. He passed away in Seattle on October 10, 2011, at the age of 101. He died from complications related to pneumonia.
His funeral was held at St. James Cathedral in Seattle. He was buried next to his wife at Calvary Cemetery.
Images for kids
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Albert Rosellini's official portrait
