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Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium

Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium

Honoring the historic struggle of Western Pennsylvanians with disabilities to attain human and civil rights.

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Remembering Dick Thornburgh and Stanley Holbrook

03/16/2021

The Consortium remembers the life and legacy of two notable members of the Western Pennsylvania disability community who passed away at the end of 2020.

Dick Thornburgh (July 16, 1932 – December 31, 2020), a Pittsburgh native, served two terms as governor of Pennsylvania from 1978 to 1986 and was U.S. Attorney General in the George H. W. Bush administration. As Attorney General, he played an important role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge remembered him with a thoughtful tribute: “Dick Thornburgh led a life worth celebrating. His public service was a model of integrity and character that anyone seeking office would be wise to follow. A remarkable public servant and an even better man.” You can read his full obituary here.

Head shot of Dick Thornburgh, an older white man with glasses wearing a suit.
Dick Thornburgh

We also remember fondly the Reverend Dr. Stanley Alan Holbrook (June 4, 1956 – December 17, 2020) who served as Assistant Executive Director for Three Rivers Center for Independent Living (TRCIL) and then as President and CEO of TRCIL from 2004 – 2014. The Pittsburgh native also served on numerous boards including the National Council of Independent Living and the Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council. You can read his full obituary here.

Reverend Dr. Holbrook, an older black man with a beard and mustache, wearing a suit
Reverend Dr. Holbrook

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NOTE TO WEBSITE VISITORS

The language and terminology used in historical materials on this site reflect the context and culture of the interviewee(s), and may include stereotypes in words, phrases, and attitudes that were wrong then and are wrong now.

Rather than remove this content, Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium wants to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it, and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together.

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