John O. Pastore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Pastore
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| United States Senator from Rhode Island |
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| In office December 19, 1950 – December 28, 1976 |
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| Preceded by | Edward L. Leahy |
| Succeeded by | John Chafee |
| 61st Governor of Rhode Island | |
| In office October 6, 1945 – December 19, 1950 |
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| Lieutenant | John S. McKiernan |
| Preceded by | J. Howard McGrath |
| Succeeded by | John S. McKiernan |
| Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island | |
| In office January 1945 – October 6, 1945 |
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| Governor | J. Howard McGrath |
| Preceded by | Louis Cappelli |
| Succeeded by | John S. McKiernan |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Orlando Pastore
March 17, 1907 Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Died | July 15, 2000 (aged 93) Cranston, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Elena Caito |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Northeastern University (LLB) |
John Orlando Pastore (March 17, 1907 – July 15, 2000) was an American lawyer and politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Pastore served as a United States Senator for Rhode Island from 1950 to 1976. He also served as the 61st Governor of Rhode Island from 1945 to 1950. He made history as the first Italian American to be elected as a senator in the United States.
Contents
A Career in Public Service
John Pastore dedicated many years to serving the public. He started his political journey in Rhode Island.
Early Political Steps
Pastore began his career in government in his home state. He served as the Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island from January 1945 to October 1945. After that, he became the Governor of Rhode Island. He held this important role from October 1945 until December 1950.
Becoming a U.S. Senator
In 1950, John Pastore was elected to the United States Senate. He represented the state of Rhode Island in Washington, D.C. for many years. He served as a senator for over 25 years, from 1950 until 1976.
John Pastore and Mister Rogers
One of Senator Pastore's most famous moments happened in 1969. It involved a TV show that many of you might know.
Funding for Public Television
In 1969, the government was discussing how much money to give to PBS. PBS is a public television network that creates educational shows. President Richard Nixon wanted to cut the funding for PBS from $20 million to $10 million. This was because of the high costs of the Vietnam War.
Mister Rogers Speaks Up
A very special person came to speak to Senator Pastore's committee. This person was Fred Rogers, the host of the popular children's show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Fred Rogers spoke calmly and passionately about why public television was so important for children. He explained how shows like his helped kids learn and grow.
After listening to Fred Rogers, Senator Pastore was very impressed. He decided to support the full $20 million funding for PBS. The next year, the funding for PBS actually increased from $9 million to $22 million. This moment showed how powerful a simple, heartfelt message can be.
Later Years and Legacy
Senator Pastore continued his work in the Senate for several more years.
Final Senate Election
In 1970, John Pastore ran for his last Senate election. He won by a large margin against his opponent, John McLaughlin. McLaughlin later became famous as the host of a TV show called The McLaughlin Group.
Retirement and Passing
John Pastore retired from the Senate in 1976. He passed away in Cranston, Rhode Island, on July 15, 2000. He was 93 years old. He is remembered for his long career in public service and for his role in supporting public television.
Images for kids
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Pastore as governor.
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