Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha Dies at Age 77, Rest In Peace

Long time Democrat US Representative from Pennsylvania John Murtha has passed away at the age of 77.According to accounts Murtha died from complications from gallbladder surgery. Rest in Peace.

His aides released a statement saying that he died shortly after 1 p.m. today at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, a suburb of Washington, D.C. Mr. Murtha had been placed in intensive care last week after complications from gallbladder surgery, his staff said then.

Although we agreed with very little of Murtha’s policies,  political agenda or comments he made toward Marines, this is not neither the time or place to discuss. We wish his family our condolences on their loss and wish John Murtha the peace of the Lord.

The Washington Post had a nice eulogy regarding the accomplishments in Murtha’s life not related to politics.

John Patrick Murtha Jr. was born June 17, 1932, in New Martinsville, W.Va., and raised in Westmoreland County, Pa. He long credited the resilient women in his family, including his mother, as key to his success in life. His father, an alcoholic, died early. Murtha said he didn’t drink for that reason, and despite the many political fundraisers where a congressman is either honored guest or host, Murtha was known for making an early appearance and an early departure.

He entered the Marine Corps in 1952, during the Korean War period, and served until 1955. He returned to Johnstown to run the family carwash and finish his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1962, and he joined the Marine Corps Reserve. During the Vietnam conflict, he volunteered for combat and served near Da Nang in 1966 and 1967.

In 1955, he married Joyce Bell. She survives, along with their daughter, Donna Murtha ; twin sons, Pat Murtha and John M. Murtha ; and three grandchildren.

The sudden and untimely death of Congressman Murtha could cause the health care bill to be more difficult to pass as well as a political fight will ensue to fill the seat held by the late John Murtha. Republicans are sure to target the seat in an effort to win back the House in 2010.