Donald Dwight facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donald Dwight
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| 64th Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts | |
| In office January 4, 1971 – January 2, 1975 |
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| Governor | Francis Sargent |
| Preceded by | Francis Sargent |
| Succeeded by | Thomas P. O'Neill III |
| Commissioner of Administration and Finance of Massachusetts | |
| In office 1969–1970 |
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| Governor | Francis Sargent |
| Preceded by | Anthony P. DeFalco |
| Succeeded by | Charles E. Shepard |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 26, 1931 Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | May 4, 2025 (aged 94) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Susan Russell (1952–1982) Nancy Sinnott Dwight(1982-present) |
| Children | Christopher, Helen, Laura Dory Ellie Artie Stuart |
| Alma mater | Princeton University (AB) |
| Profession | Newspaper executive Corporate communications executive |
Donald Rathbun Dwight (March 26, 1931 – May 4, 2025) was an American newspaper executive and politician. He served as the 64th lieutenant governor of Massachusetts from 1971 to 1975.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Donald Rathbun Dwight was born on March 26, 1931, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. His family owned a newspaper called the Holyoke Transcript-Telegram. He went to Deerfield Academy and then to Princeton University. Donald Dwight graduated from Princeton in 1953. After college, he joined the United States Marine Corps for two years.
Starting a Career
After serving in the Marines, Dwight worked for his family's newspaper. He became an assistant to the publisher in 1957. He also held several other roles. For example, he was a town meeting member in South Hadley, Massachusetts. He also served on the boards of various companies and organizations.
Public Service Roles
Donald Dwight held important positions in the government of Massachusetts. These roles helped him gain experience in public service.
Department of Public Works
From 1963 to 1966, Dwight worked for the Massachusetts Department of Public Works. He was an Associate Commissioner. For two of those years, he managed the department's money and operations. He worked under Commissioner Francis W. Sargent. After leaving this role, he returned to his family's newspaper.
Commissioner of Administration and Finance
In 1968, Donald Dwight helped Lieutenant Governor Francis W. Sargent. He led teams that studied problems in the state. Sargent was about to become Acting Governor. In December 1968, Sargent chose Dwight to be the Commissioner of Administration and Finance. He started this job on January 7, 1969. He also led a special group to make the state government more modern.
Serving as Lieutenant Governor
Donald Dwight became the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts in 1971. He worked closely with Governor Francis Sargent.
Joining the Election Ticket
In 1970, Governor Sargent was running for reelection. His first running mate, State Representative Martin Linsky, decided to leave the race. Sargent then chose Donald Dwight to be his new running mate. Sargent trusted Dwight very much. Dwight won his party's nomination for Lieutenant Governor.
Election and Term
The team of Sargent and Dwight won the election against Kevin White and Michael Dukakis. They served as Governor and Lieutenant Governor from 1971 to 1975. During his time as Lieutenant Governor, Dwight stayed out of the spotlight. He respected Governor Sargent and did not try to take his place. He was not involved in big policy decisions.
1974 Reelection Campaign
In the 1974 election, Governor Sargent asked Dwight to help with the reelection campaign. Dwight helped organize advertising and field teams. However, Sargent and Dwight lost the election to Michael Dukakis and Thomas P. O'Neill III.
Later Life and Career
After leaving public office, Donald Dwight continued his career in the newspaper business.
Newspaper Executive
In September 1975, Dwight moved to Minneapolis. He became an associate publisher for the Minneapolis Star and Minneapolis Tribune newspapers. On April 20, 1976, he was promoted to president and publisher. He worked there until November 1, 1982.
Investigation and Clearing of Name
In 1980, Dwight faced questions about a state contract. This was related to his time as Commissioner and Lieutenant Governor. A former design firm owner claimed he paid Dwight money for a contract. Dwight strongly denied these claims. On May 11, 1981, the U.S. Attorney announced that Dwight had been cleared of any wrongdoing.
Later Career and Passing
From 1984 to 1985, Dwight was the president and CEO of a health service company. He later published several newspapers in New England. He also became the chairman of Newspapers of New England. In 1988, he started a public relations company called Clark, Dwight & Associates.
Donald Dwight passed away on May 4, 2025, at the age of 94.
