Albert Rosellini
| Albert Rosellini | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 15th Governor of Washington | |
|
In office January 14, 1957 – January 11, 1965 |
|
| Lieutenant | John Cherberg |
| Preceded by | Arthur B. Langlie |
| Succeeded by | Daniel J. Evans |
| Member of the Washington Senate | |
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In office 1939–1949 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Albert Dean Rosellini January 21, 1910 Tacoma, Washington |
| Died | October 10, 2011 (aged 101) Seattle, Washington |
| Resting place |
Calvary Cemetery Seattle, Washington |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Ethel K. McNeil |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Religion | Catholic |
Albert Dean Rosellini (January 21, 1910 – October 10, 2011) was an American politician, the 15th governor of the state of Washington for two terms, from 1957 to 1965, and was the first Italian American and Roman Catholic governor elected west of the Mississippi River.
During a political career that spanned 40 years, Rosellini was an activist leader who worked to reform the state's prisons and mental health facilities, expand the state highway system, create the University of Washington's medical and dental schools, and build the second floating bridge across Lake Washington.
Rosellini is the longest-lived U.S. state governor ever, having reached the age of 101 years, 262 days.
Born in Tacoma, Washington, Rosellini was the only son of Italian immigrants. He worked his way through college and law school at the University of Washington.
At the age of 29, Rosellini was elected to the state senate as its youngest member, representing the 33rd district in south Seattle, the home of many Italian immigrants. A New Deal Democrat, Rosellini served from 1939 to 1957, and rose to the rank of majority leader. He was elected governor in 1956.
As governor, Rosellini coupled personal charm with decades of political know-how, developing a reputation for decisiveness and ability to move ahead on long-stalled projects. Don Hannula, longtime political columnist for The Seattle Times, wrote in 1996, "He was not a man of empty rhetoric. He got things done. His legacy is everywhere." In his 1997 biography, Rosellini, Immigrant's Son and Progressive Governor, author Payton Smith wrote: "He was attracted to issues where progress could be made and measured . . . Budget reform, economic development, transportation, higher education and institutions were the core matters to which he devoted his talent and governmental know-how."
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