Remembering Garrahy: An RI statesman

(WPRI) - Former Gov. Joseph Garrahy - who passed away at the age of 81 Tuesday - will be forever known in Rhode Island as the ultimate statesman and best remembered for the role he played in the Blizzard of '78.

The Beginning

John Joseph Garrahy was born in Providence Nov. 26, 1930 to Irish immigrant parents.

After attending La Salle Academy, the University of Buffalo, and the University of Rhode Island, he served his country in the Korean War.

• Photos: Remembering Gov. Garrahy

Garrahy entered politics in 1962, making his way up through the ranks to the Lieutenant Governor's office.

He became governor in 1976.

The Blizzard

Garrahy's tenure as governor, which came to an end in 1985, was defined by the Blizzard of '78.

The two-day snowstorm brought cars, trucks and buses to a standstill statewide. Gov. Garrahy sought federal help and plowing assistance from nearby states and the army.

He kept the state up-to-date with announcements on live television from the state house.

The red plaid flannel shirt Garrahy wore for those news conferences during the blizzard became his trademark.

In fact, on the 20th anniversary of the blizzard, Garrahy held a "plaid shirt party" at the State House, complete with bread and milk.

Later, the former governor reflected on his role in '78.

"I think it was a turning point for me also, in my career as governor. I think people saw me in a different light. They saw me as decisive," he said in a previous interview.

Life as Governor and Beyond

Besides the blizzard, other challenges faced by the Garrahy Administration included a recession in the early 80s and a double-digit unemployment rate.

His pet projects included reform at The Ladd School in Exeter and curbing pollution in Narragansett Bay.

After calling it a political career in 1985 - handing the state over to Edward Diprete - Garrahy served on local financial boards.

Garrahy and his wife, Margherite, had five children and raised them all at their home on Ocean Rd. in Narragansett.

Garrahy was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 1989.

Several local landmarks, including the judicial complex in downtown Providence, are now named in Garrahy's honor.