John N. Dempsey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Dempsey
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| 81st Governor of Connecticut | |
| In office January 21, 1961 – January 6, 1971 |
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| Lieutenant | Anthony J. Armentano Samuel J. Tedesco Fred J. Doocy Attilio R. Frassinelli |
| Preceded by | Abraham Ribicoff |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Meskill |
| 94th Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut | |
| In office January 7, 1959 – January 21, 1961 |
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| Governor | Abraham Ribicoff |
| Preceded by | Charles Jewett |
| Succeeded by | Anthony J. Armentano |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Noel Dempsey
January 3, 1915 Cahir, County Tipperary, Ireland |
| Died | July 16, 1989 (aged 74) Killingly, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Mary Frey
(m. 1940) |
| Education | Providence College |
John Noel Dempsey (born January 3, 1915 – died July 16, 1989) was an important Irish-American politician. He served as the 81st Governor of Connecticut. John Dempsey was a member of the Democratic Party. He started his political journey at just 21 years old on the Putnam City Council. Later, he became the mayor of Putnam before being elected as Governor of Connecticut.
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About John Dempsey
John Dempsey was born in Cahir, County Tipperary, Ireland. He was the only son of a British Army officer. In 1925, when he was 10 years old, his family moved to Putnam, Connecticut. This town is in the northeastern part of the state.
In Putnam, John Dempsey first worked in the textile industry. Then, he got a job at the Town Hall. This job helped him begin his career in state politics. He was also a soccer coach at the Pomfret School in Pomfret. John Dempsey married Mary Frey. They had three sons and one daughter together.
John Dempsey's Political Journey
John Dempsey began his political career very early. In 1936, at only 21 years old, he was elected to the Putnam City Council. This was his first step into public service.
In 1948, he became the mayor of Putnam. He served as mayor for six terms, which is a long time! In 1949, he was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives. He managed to work in both state and local government at the same time. He stayed in the General Assembly until 1955. After that, he became a top assistant to Governor Abraham A. Ribicoff.
Becoming Governor of Connecticut
From 1959 to 1961, John Dempsey served as the 94th Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut. He worked alongside Governor Ribicoff. When Governor Ribicoff left his job to join President John F. Kennedy's team, John Dempsey took over as Governor.
He became the first person born in Europe to be Governor of Connecticut since the very early days of the colony. He was also part of a 30-year period where Connecticut had only Catholic governors.
Key Moments as Governor
During his time as governor, John Dempsey worked on many important issues. He was an ally of the Democratic Party chairman, John M. Bailey.
In 1969, lawmakers from both major parties wanted to create a new law. This law would give more power to the legislative staff and control the Assembly's budget. Governor Dempsey did not agree with this law and tried to stop it. However, both parts of the legislature voted to pass the law anyway.
John Dempsey decided not to run for re-election in 1970. Thomas J. Meskill, a Republican, became the next governor. After leaving office, Dempsey became the President of the Indian Trails Council for the Boy Scouts of America. He also served on several important committees, like the National Governors Association.
Later Life and Legacy
The University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, Connecticut, has a hospital named after him: John Dempsey Hospital. He was treated there himself during the last month of his life.
John Dempsey passed away at his home in Killingly Center, Connecticut, on July 16, 1989. He is buried at Saint Mary Cemetery in Putnam, Connecticut.
See also
- List of U.S. state governors born outside the United States
