Politics & Government

Albert Rosellini, Two-Time Washington Governor, Dies at age 101

Rosellini, the namesake for the State Route 520 bridge, served as Washington's governor from 1957-1965.

State and local officials are remembering two-time Washington Gov. Albert D. Rosellini, who died on Monday Oct. 10 at age 101. Rosellini, the namesake for the State Route 520 bridge, served as Washington's governor from 1957-1965.

The Seattle Times has an obituary on the former governor, who died in Seattle of pneumonia, according to the article.

The Tacoma native grew up in an immigrant household speaking Italian at home, and worked his way through college to become an attorney. He was elected to the state senate in 1938 and kept his hand in politics as recently as a few years ago, according to the Seattle Times.

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Tributes have been issued for Rosellini:

King County Executive Dow Constantine:

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King County Executive Dow Constantine today expressed sadness at the passing of Washington State’s 15th governor:

It has been an honor to get to know Governor Rosellini over the last couple of decades. He swore me into office when I was first elected to the Washington State Senate, and he has provided humor and wise council through the years.

His impact on Washington during a transformative period in our history cannot be underestimated. He was elected governor in 1956, helped the region step onto the world stage through the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, and drove construction of much of our major infrastructure. These were formative years for me, and I will always remember the Governor fondly. Our responsibility is to preserve and renew his generation’s legacy.

He was a good Governor, and a good guy, and he will be missed.

Gov. Chris Gregoire:

Washington state lost one of its brightest stars today. Governor Al Rosellini was a tireless leader who changed the state for the better in countless ways. My heart goes out to his family on this day of incredible loss.

From the state’s diverse economy to the bridge across Lake Washington that shares his name, Governor Rosellini’s legacy and the state we cherish are in many ways one in the same. Incredible as his accomplishments in office may have been, Governor Rosellini was so much more than his record. He was a trusted mentor and beloved friend, and the countless lives he touched, including mine, may be his greatest legacy. I cherished the time we spent together.

I called on Governor Rosellini for ideas, advice and, more than a few times, a good laugh. He offered all three with equal insight and enthusiasm at 101 years old. The rose he wore on his lapel to help people pronounce his name illustrated some of his traits I most admired: practical with a dash of charisma and a bit of fun thrown in for good measure. He was a dear friend who I will forever remember as ‘The Gov.’

Gregoire has also issued an order that state flags will be flown at half staff until further notice in memory of Rosellini.


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