Harris Wofford, the attorney and civil rights crusader who represented Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate from 1991 to 1995 has passed.
Wofford, a veteran of World War II and the fifth president of Bryn Mawr College, was one of the architects of the Peace Corps under President Kennedy, and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during the civil rights battle.
Wofford was appointed to the Senate in 1991 upon the death of Senator John Heinz and winning a special election against former Governor Dick Thornburgh. He was defeated by Rick Santorum in 1994.
In a statement sent to WESB News, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Jr., whose father appointed Wofford to the Senate in 1991, said:
[F]ew Americans are more responsible for advancing the cause of civil rights than Harris Wofford. Harris stood with Dr. King during difficult times and never wavered in his enduring belief in civil rights. He worked with Sargent Shriver to found the Peace Corps, improving the lives of countless vulnerable people throughout the world. Harris met my father in the 1950s when they were young lawyers. They enjoyed a long friendship. My family appreciated Harris’ support for Governor Casey over many campaigns and his service as U.S. Senator and as Secretary of the Department of Labor and Industry for our Commonwealth. In addition to his national service in the Senate and on civil rights, Harris served his country in the United States Army Air Corps. It’s only fitting that Harris passed away on the national day of service he helped to bring into existence.”
Harris Wofford was 92.