Joseph D. Early

Joseph D. Early was an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented the state's 3rd congressional district for nine terms, from 1975 to 1993. He was known for his focus on securing federal funding for projects in his district and his work on the influential House Appropriations Committee.

Early life and education

Joseph Daniel Early was born on January 31, 1933, in Worcester, Massachusetts, the son of a local police officer. He attended local public schools before enrolling at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, where he earned his bachelor's degree. Following his graduation, he served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955, achieving the rank of private first class. After his military service, he returned to Worcester and began a career in insurance, while also becoming active in local civic and political organizations.

Political career

Early's political career began in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he served from 1963 to 1975. In 1974, he successfully ran for the United States House of Representatives to succeed retiring Representative Harold Donohue in the 3rd district. He won the election and took office in January 1975. A staunch New Deal-style Democrat, Early quickly secured a coveted seat on the House Appropriations Committee, where he became a subcommittee chairman. He was a prolific advocate for federal spending in his district, directing funds to institutions like the University of Massachusetts Medical School, the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, and various infrastructure projects. He was a strong supporter of organized labor, veterans' groups like the American Legion, and social programs. Early faced his most significant political challenge during the House banking scandal of the early 1990s, where he was among the members cited for overdrafts at the House of Representatives bank. Although he apologized, the controversy contributed to his narrow defeat in the 1992 election to Republican Peter I. Blute.

Post-Congressional life and death

After leaving Congress in January 1993, Early returned to private life in Worcester. He remained involved in local community affairs and the Democratic Party in Massachusetts. He also served on several corporate and nonprofit boards. Joseph D. Early died of heart failure on November 9, 2012, at his home in Worcester. He was survived by his wife, Marilyn, and their five children. His papers are held at the College of the Holy Cross Archives.

Category:1933 births Category:2012 deaths Category:American military personnel of the Korean War Category:Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts Category:People from Worcester, Massachusetts