Biography

02/02/1940 - 12/27/2010

Early Life:

Michael A. O’Pake (D), born 1940, in Reading, son of the late Michael E. and Anna M. O’Pake; Reading Central Catholic High School, valedictorian, 1957; St. Joseph’s University (A.B.), summa cum laude, 1961; University of Pa. Law School (J.D.), 1964; Albright College, honorary Doctorate of Law; Kutztown University, honorary Doctorate of Public Service.

Early Career:

Member, Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Agricultural Land Preservation Board, Joint State Government Committee, Capitol Preservation Committee, University of Pa. School of Veterinary Medicine Board of Overseers, Hawk Mountain Council Executive Board, Penn State Berks Advisory Board, Reading Central Catholic Advisory Board; board of directors, Dayspring Homes; board of trustees, Alvernia College.

Awards:

Pa. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Leadership Award- 2007, Dept. of Agriculture Investing in Our Future- 2006-07, Alzheimer’s Association Legislature Advocacy- 2005, Ben Franklin Medal for Distinguished Achievement on Behalf of Higher Education- 2005, Berks County Public Library Elected Official of the Year- 2004, YMCA of Reading & Berks County Champion of Youth- 2004, Kutztown University Legislative Fellow- 2000, Alvernia College Franciscan- 1999, Papal Messenger of Truth & Hope- 1998, St. Joseph’s University Law Alumni Distinguished Law Alumnus- 1998, Governor’s Highway Safety- 1996, Domestic Abuse Council of Barks County Recognition Award- 1994, National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) Guardian of Small Business Award– 1994, Olivet Champion of Youth– 1993.

Pennsylvania Politics:

Pa. House of Representatives, 1968-72; elected to Pa. Senate 1972; Minority Caucus Secretary, 1989-92, 1994; Majority Caucus Chair, 1992-94; Minority Caucus Chair, 1995-2000; Minority Whip, 2000-2010; Minority Chair, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, 2001-2010; served until his death on December 27, 2010.

Pa. House of Representatives Biography

Cited: Pennsylvania Manual, Biographies of Members of the Senate, pg. 3-20; Volume 119, December, 2009.