Dick Thornburgh remembered by Western Pa. dignitaries for leadership, empathy, intellect

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all state and American flags at public buildings statewide to fly at half-staff Thursday upon learning of the death of former U.S. Attorney General and Pennsylvania Gov. Dick Thornburgh.

Wolf, a Democrat, described Thornburgh, a Republican, as “an unequaled public servant.”

“He guided Pennsylvania through a tumultuous period in our commonwealth’s history following the partial meltdown at the Three Mile Island nuclear power station,” Wolf said. “His was a necessary and steady voice of calm in the midst of crisis. …. All of Pennsylvania mourns the loss of one of our great public servants.”

Here’s what other local dignitaries and associates of Thornburgh had to say about the Pittsburgh native and his legacy:

Former Gov. Tom Corbett, R-Shaler, called Thornburgh “a friend and mentor.”

“He served the citizens of Pennsylvania and the nation with integrity and grace and he will be greatly missed,” Corbett said. “A highlight of my career was having the honor to work with him at the Department of Justice.

“Gov. Thornburgh was a man of great conviction and intellect but also possessed a kind and a gentle spirit. He was always there for me when I sought his wise counsel on the law and governing.”

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Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said he “cherished the advice” that Thornburgh gave him.

“He was a true public servant. His eight years as governor and his subsequent service as U.S. attorney general were only part of his service to our community. I had the pleasure of working with him through his affiliation with the University of Pittsburgh and many other great organizations to which he provided continued service, even throughout his active retirement.

“In a day when true bipartisanship is needed, Gov. Thornburgh’s example of working together, crossing aisles and placing his efforts and passions into making our world a better place.”

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“Gov. Thornburgh was a personal hero and a leader to emulate,” said former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark S. Schweiker, a Bucks County Republican. “His passion for public service and the people of his beloved Pennsylvania was still obvious long after he left office. In examining everything he did during the crisis at Three Mile Island, his leadership was thoughtful and strong at a time when the commonwealth needed it most.”

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“Terese and I were saddened to learn today of the passing of Dick Thornburgh, a former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Governor of Pennsylvania, U.S. Attorney General, and friend. Our Commonwealth and our country are better for his distinguished service. Together with the entire Casey family, we send our deepest condolences to Ginny, his four sons, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

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“Gov. Dick Thornburgh dedicated his professional life to public service,” said U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Lehigh Valley. “He led Pennsylvania and later, the Department of Justice, successfully and with integrity. The steady nature in which he guided Pennsylvania through one of its most dangerous crises — the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island — should serve as an example for all elected officials.”

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“He made lawyers proud to be lawyers, and inspired all of us to strive to live out the highest ideals of the profession,” said Jim Segerdahl, global managing partner at K&L Gates. Thornburgh held multiple roles at the firm’s Pittsburgh, Washington and Boston offices between his start as an associate in 1959 through his retirement in early 2019. “Dick was the consummate public servant, combining empathy, brilliant intellect and a remarkable capacity to identify pathways to a better society and to make great ideas actually come to life. He did all this and more with unfailing integrity, grace, class, humor and a love of family.”