Boston Herald, MA
March 12 2009
Pols bid farewell to George Keverian
By Edward Mason
Thursday, March 12, 2009 –
George Keverian, the avuncular Everett pol who as speaker in the late
1980s presided over a fractious House, was remembered yesterday in a
touching tribute that united political rivals and members of both
parties in grief.
Keverian, who was found dead in his Everett home Friday at age 77, was
speaker from 1985 to 1990.
In a memorial service in the House chamber, current Speaker Robert
DeLeo called Keverian `a proud son of Everett, proud of his Armenian
heritage, who enjoyed making people laugh and laughing as well. He was
a very intelligent human being. But most important he was a wonderful
man.`
Senate President Therese Murray eulogized Keverian as `a dedicated
public servant during tough times.`
Indeed, Keverian led the House during the last major economic
meltdown, when the Massachusetts Miracle fizzled and the state was
beset with double-digit unemployment numbers.
As the state deals with the current fiscal crisis, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray
said Keverian’s steady hand should serve as `an example of how we
should approach our work in the days ahead.`
Keverian became speaker in 1985 by defeating autocratic House Speaker
Thomas McGee, then went on to hold the position until 1990. As
speaker, he was seen to have lost his grip over the chamber as the
economic crisis worsened and was often criticized by colleagues for
allowing the House to drift aimlessly while the state’s financial
crisis grew worse. He left the post to pursue an unsuccessful bid for
state treasurer.
Keverian’s former colleagues gathered to pay their respects in
Memorial Hall at the State House.
Among them were the three former speakers who followed Keverian to the
speaker’s post: Charles F.Flaherty, Thomas M. Finneran, and Salvatore
DiMasi, who entered the House to an ovation.
Former Senate Presidents William Bulger, Thomas Birmingham and Robert
Travaglini also attended.