A former Berk’s County Commissioner has been voted into office by special election to replace Pennsylvania Senator Mike O’Pake, who died in office after suffering complications from heart surgery.
Judy Schwank handily beat her Republican challenger Larry Medaglia according to the unofficial results.
Schwank will serve out the remaining two years of Mike O’Pake’s 10th term.
Image via Wikipedia
Recently deceased Pennsylvania State Senator, Mike O’Pake is paying it forward, even in death. The senator’s will includes generous donations to local institutions.
St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where Mike O’Pake graduated from, was bequeathed $2 million dollars. The use of this gift was left to the discretion of the university.
Alvernia University, in Reading, will be the repository for the senator’s entire political memorabilia collection, which chronicles his 42-year career in politics. Eventually the collection will be made public for use by students, scholars and for viewing by the public. Alvernia University was also entrusted with the archives of Shillington native and world-famous author John Updike. Alvernia University said it was “humbled” to be entrusted with the senator’s collection.
Alvernia is slated to receive money from the senator’s estate. However, the amount is unclear at this time. Also in the senator’s will are the Jesuit Center in Wernersville and St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Reading. What ever money remains, after all other bequests and bills are paid, is to be split between these three institutions. Senator O’Pake’s properties and their contents were bequeathed to a caretaker of a disabled family member.
RIP Senator O’Pake.
Image via Wikipedia
Viewing and funeral information for Pennsylvania State Senator Mike O’Pake has been announced. Senator O’Pake was a devout Catholic and services will be held at his beloved St. Margaret’s RC Church, 925 Centre Avenue in Reading, PA.
Public viewing times are Sunday, January 2, 2011 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday, January 3, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at noon. Interment will be private.
Senator O’Pake was a true public servant who worked tirelessly for all the people of Berks County. He will be sorely missed.
Image via Wikipedia
PA State Senator, Mike O’Pake, a tireless advocate for Berks County and Reading has died after undergoing heart bypass surgery on November 22, 2010. Senator O’Pake seemed to be doing better, so his death today took many by surprise.
Read the entire story in the Reading Eagle:
Roy's Rants - For Your Information 