Member Biography

Michael A O'Pake 

Member
Sessions Office Position District Party
1973       11 Democrat
1974       11 Democrat
1975       11 Democrat
1976       11 Democrat
1977       11 Democrat
1978       11 Democrat
1979       11 Democrat
1980       11 Democrat
1981       11 Democrat
1982       11 Democrat
1983       11 Democrat
1984       11 Democrat
1985       11 Democrat
1986       11 Democrat
1987       11 Democrat
1988       11 Democrat
1989       11 Democrat
1990       11 Democrat
1991       11 Democrat
1992       11 Democrat
1993       11 Democrat
1994       11 Democrat
1995       11 Democrat
1996       11 Democrat
1997       11 Democrat
1998       11 Democrat
1999       11 Democrat
2000       11 Democrat
2001       11 Democrat
2002       11 Democrat
2003       11 Democrat
2004       11 Democrat
2005       11 Democrat
2006       11 Democrat
2007       11 Democrat
2008       11 Democrat
2009       11 Democrat
2010       11 Democrat

COUNTIES: Berks, Montgomery  


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.