Lawrence J. DeNardis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lawrence J. DeNardis
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Connecticut's 3rd district |
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| In office January 3, 1981 – January 3, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Giaimo |
| Succeeded by | Bruce Morrison |
| Member of the Connecticut State Senate from the 34th district |
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| In office January 6, 1971 – December 31, 1979 |
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| Preceded by | Pasquale A. Barbato |
| Succeeded by | Philip S. Robertson |
| Personal details | |
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Lawrence Joseph DeNardis
March 18, 1938 New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Died | August 24, 2018 (aged 80) New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
MaryLou White DeNardis
(1961–2018) |
| Alma mater | Holy Cross College (BA) New York University (MA, PhD) |
| Occupation | Chairman, Institute for New Democracies |
Lawrence Joseph "Larry" DeNardis (born March 18, 1938 – died August 24, 2018) was an American politician. He served as a U.S. Congressman for Connecticut. Later, he became the president of the University of New Haven.
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Early Life and Education
Larry DeNardis was born in New Haven, Connecticut on March 18, 1938. He went to Hamden High School in Hamden, Connecticut. After high school, he studied at College of the Holy Cross, earning a bachelor's degree in 1960. He continued his studies at New York University, where he received his master's degree in 1964 and his Ph.D. in 1989.
He also served in the United States Navy Reserve from 1960 to 1963. Before becoming a full-time politician, he was a professor at Albertus Magnus College.
Political Career Highlights
Larry DeNardis was very active in the Republican Party starting in the 1960s. He attended state Republican meetings from 1966. In 1970, he was elected to the Connecticut State Senate. He served as a state senator until 1979. He then left to become the president of the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges.
Serving in Congress
In 1980, DeNardis ran for the United States House of Representatives. He wanted to represent Connecticut's 3rd congressional district. This seat had been held by Democrat Robert Giaimo for 22 years. Even though more people in the district were registered as Democrats, DeNardis won. He defeated Joe Lieberman in the election. This was also the year Ronald Reagan won the presidency, which helped Republicans.
While in Congress, DeNardis was part of a group called the "gypsy moths." These were moderate Republicans who sometimes disagreed with President Reagan's budget cuts. DeNardis supported some cuts but also helped secure $16 million. This money was used to fix up the train station in New Haven.
Later Elections
In 1982, DeNardis ran for re-election. He faced Bruce Morrison, a Democrat. Even though DeNardis showed he didn't always agree with Reagan, he lost the election. The district had many more registered Democrats.
He tried to win back his seat in 1984. It was a strong year for Republicans, and Reagan won by a large margin in Connecticut. However, DeNardis lost to Morrison again.
Life After Congress
After leaving Congress, Larry DeNardis continued to serve the public. From 1985 to 1987, he worked for the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
Leading a University
In 1991, DeNardis became the President of the University of New Haven. He led the university until 2004. During his time as president, the university grew a lot. Many new programs and buildings were added. He also helped create international programs. After retiring as president, he still taught about national security policy at the university.
Helping New Democracies
DeNardis was also the chairman of the Institute for New Democracies. This group helps countries that are becoming democracies. He worked as an independent election observer in countries in central Asia. In 2009, he advised a political party in Kosovo during their local elections.
Later Political Efforts
In 2010, DeNardis briefly ran for Governor of Connecticut. However, he did not get enough support to be on the primary election ballot.
Larry DeNardis passed away on August 24, 2018, at the age of 80.
Personal Life
Larry DeNardis had a daughter named Leslie DeNardis.
