Joseph V. Gartlan, Jr.

Joseph Vincent Gartlan, Jr. (September 21, 1925 – July 18, 2008) was a long-serving Democratic member of the Senate of Virginia.[1]

Early life and career

Gartlan was born in Glen Head, New York on September 21, 1925. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1946.

After the war he attended Georgetown University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1949. He received his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1952.[2] Gartlan practiced law as a partner in the Washington, DC firm of Melrod, Redman and Gartlan until 1971.

Political career

In 1971, the Virginia General Assembly drew new districts reflecting the changes in population captured in the 1970 federal census and the recent Supreme Court decision in the case of Davis v. Mann that mandated equipopulous senate districts. Gartlan was the Democratic nominee in the 36th district which covered eastern portions of Fairfax County. He was elected to the Senate for the first time in November 1971. Gartlan served in the Senate for 28 years,[3][4] serving as Chair of three committees: Rehabilitation and Social Services, Privileges and Elections and Courts of Justice.

Gartlan's legislative accomplishments included environmental laws and laws affecting the delivery of mental health services by the state, including co-sponsoring legislation that repealed laws allowing forced sterilization of mentally ill patients without their consent.[2]

He was a member of Mount Vernon's Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Citizens Consumer Council, Inc., Knights of Columbus, Chesapeake Bay Commission, Social Action Linking Together (SALT), American College of Trial Lawyers, and a lecturer in law at the University of Virginia Law School.

Death and memorials

In 2001, the Franconia-Springfield Parkway (SR 289) was given the additional name of Joseph V. Gartlan, Jr., Parkway.[5] The name is ceremonial, and is rarely used by the public.[6] Gartlan is first Virginia politician to have a major highway named after him while he was still alive.

Gartlan died at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital on July 18, 2008 after a brief illness.

References

  1. ↑ Joseph V. Gartlan Jr, a Former State Senator, Has Died – The Washington Post
  2. 1 2 Gartland: a final farewell. Springfield Connection, July 24, 2008.
  3. ↑ The Washington Post, United Region Puts Schools, Roads on Top of Wish List, January 3, 2001, p. T1
  4. ↑ Washington Post, After 28 Years, Va. Lawmaker Calling It Quits, February 20, 1999, p. B1
  5. ↑ Chapter 734, S. 291, approved March 26, 2001
  6. ↑ John Kelly, The Washington Post, Honored in All but Name, April 21, 2005, p. T10
Senate of Virginia
Preceded by
new district		 Virginia Senate, District 36
1972–2000 		Succeeded by
Toddy Puller
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