Dick Thornburgh, former Pennsylvania governor, dies at 88

Dick Thornburgh, former Pennsylvania governor, dies at 88

By Marc Levy / AP

December 31, 2020

Dick Thornburgh, who as Pennsylvania governor won plaudits for his cool handling of the 1979 Three Mile Island crisis and as U.S. attorney general restored credibility to a Justice Department hurt by the Iran-Contra scandal, has died. He was 88.

Thornburgh died Thursday morning at a retirement community facility outside Pittsburgh, his son David said. The cause is not yet known.

Thornburgh built his reputation as a crime-busting federal prosecutor in Pittsburgh and as a moderate Republican governor. As the nation’s top law enforcement official, he prosecuted the savings and loan scandal. He also shepherded the Americans with Disabilities Act.

After leaving public office, Thornburgh became a go-to troubleshooter who helped CBS investigate its news practices, dissected illegalities at telecommunications company WorldCom and tried to improve the United Nations’ efficiency.

Former Pennsylvania Governor also shared the news on Twitter.

Dick Thornburgh led a life worth celebrating. His public service was a model of integrity and character that anyone seeking office would be wise to follow. A remarkable public servant and an even better man. Michele and I send condolences to Ginny and the Thornburgh family. pic.twitter.com/fTmst5w2E9

— Gov. Tom Ridge (@GovRidge) December 31, 2020

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