Former Amherst Congressman John Olver has died at the age of 86. He represented western Mass and the Amherst area, first in the State Legislature and then in Congress for decades. He retired from congress in 2012 after winning the seat when legendary Congressman Silvio Conte died.
Congressman Richard Neal reacted to the passing of Olver by saying:
“John Olver dedicated his life to public service, working as an educator at the University of Massachusetts before beginning his political career, including twelve years in the Massachusetts Legislature prior to his election to Congress. Over the course of his twenty-two years in the U.S. House of Representatives, John was an effective leader and steadfast advocate for the people of western and central Massachusetts. His approach to policy making was a good lesson for those in public life. He lacked any malice and had the purest of intentions, focusing solely on delivering for the people he felt privileged to represent.
Olver was well known for being a progressive force in congress advocating for more transportation options and more affordable health care.
Congressman Jim McGovern- who now represents the district that Olver represented said he was deeply saddened by the passing:
“Closer to home, John’s track record of accomplishments speaks for itself—on issues from clean energy to environmental protection to public transportation, he was a workhorse who went above and beyond to get the job done. Lisa and I extend our deepest condolences to his daughter Martha and join those across the Commonwealth and the country who mourn his loss.”
The Congressman's wife died back in 2014. Funeral arrangements have not been released yet.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak, WHYN News)