Richard Paul Conaboy facts for kids

Richard Paul Conaboy (born June 12, 1925 – died November 9, 2018) was an important American judge. He worked as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Before becoming a judge, he served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947. He then earned a law degree and worked as a lawyer. Later, he became a judge in Pennsylvania's state courts. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter chose him to be a federal judge. He even served as the chief judge of his court from 1989 to 1992. From 1994 to 1998, he led the United States Sentencing Commission, which helps decide how criminals are punished.

Early Life and Education

Richard Conaboy was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He went to the University of Scranton and earned a degree in 1945. During World War II, he served in the Air Corps as a sergeant in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947.

After his military service, he studied law at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America. He received his law degree in 1950. While in college, he was part of special honor societies called Alpha Sigma Lambda and Pi Sigma Alpha.

Starting His Law Career

Conaboy became a lawyer in 1951. He worked as a private lawyer in Scranton until 1962. He also held some government jobs in Pennsylvania. From 1953 to 1959, he was a deputy state attorney general for the State Workman's Insurance Fund. He also worked for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board from 1959 to 1962.

Later, he became a judge for Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. He served on the Court of Common Pleas from 1962 to 1979. For a short time, from 1978 to 1979, he was the main judge, called the president judge, for that court. He was also a member of important legal groups like the American Bar Association.

Becoming a Federal Judge

On May 29, 1979, President Jimmy Carter nominated Richard Conaboy to become a federal judge. This was for a new judge position in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The United States Senate approved his nomination on July 23, 1979. He officially started his new role as a federal judge on July 24, 1979.

He served as the Chief Judge of this court from 1989 to 1992. On September 1, 1992, he took on a special role called senior status. This means he continued to work as a judge but with a reduced workload.

Leading the Sentencing Commission

While in senior status, Judge Conaboy took on another very important job. From 1994 to 1998, he was the head of the United States Sentencing Commission. This commission creates rules that help judges decide fair punishments for people who commit crimes. He received support for this role from Joe Biden, who was a powerful senator at the time.

Later Years and Passing

Judge Conaboy continued to serve as a senior judge for many years. He passed away on November 9, 2018, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He had a heart attack at a local restaurant. He was in the hospital for several days before he died.