Foster Furcolo

Foster Furcolo was an American politician and attorney who served as the 44th Governor of Massachusetts from 1957 to 1961. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the first Italian American to be elected governor of a state outside of New York. His administration was marked by significant expansion in public higher education and infrastructure, though it was also clouded by scandal. Prior to his governorship, Furcolo served as a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts's 2nd congressional district.

Early life and education

Foster Furcolo was born in New Haven, Connecticut, to parents of Italian descent. He attended Yale University, where he earned his bachelor's degree, and subsequently graduated from Harvard Law School. After being admitted to the Massachusetts Bar Association, he practiced law in Springfield, Massachusetts and later served as an assistant district attorney for Hampden County. His early career was interrupted by service in the United States Navy during World War II, where he achieved the rank of lieutenant commander.

Early political career

Furcolo's political career began with his election to the United States House of Representatives in a 1948 special election, filling the seat vacated by Charles Clason. Representing Massachusetts's 2nd congressional district, which included Springfield, he aligned with the liberal wing of the Democratic Party. In 1952, he made an unsuccessful bid for the United States Senate, losing to the incumbent Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.. Following his congressional service, he was appointed as the Massachusetts Treasurer and Receiver-General by Governor Paul A. Dever.

Governorship of Massachusetts

Elected in 1956, Furcolo's tenure as governor focused on modernizing the state's infrastructure and education system. He championed the creation of the University of Massachusetts system, significantly expanding the flagship campus in Amherst and establishing the University of Massachusetts Boston. His administration also oversaw major highway construction projects and the establishment of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. However, his term was marred by the Great Brink's Robbery and subsequent corruption scandals involving the Massachusetts Department of Public Works, which damaged his political standing. He did not seek re-election in 1960.

Later career and legacy

After leaving the Massachusetts State House, Furcolo remained active in public life. He served as a judge on the Massachusetts Superior Court and later on the Massachusetts Appeals Court. He also taught at several institutions, including Suffolk University Law School and Boston College. Furcolo is primarily remembered for his transformative impact on public higher education in Massachusetts, laying the groundwork for the modern University of Massachusetts system. He passed away in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1995.