Member Biography

Biography

Leonard Clifton Staisey (D45) Allegheny (Part) County 1961-1966

Early Life:            

Leonard Clifton Staisey, born November 10, 1920, Duquesne, Pennsylvania; suffered a brain tumor when he was seven years old and was left permanently visually impaired following removal surgery; valedictorian, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, 1940; Northwestern University, bachelor’s degree, 1944; Northwestern University, juris doctorate, 1947; admitted, Bar of Allegheny County, 1948-becoming the first blind lawyer ever admitted; appointed assistant district attorney, earning the distinction of being the first blind lawyer in the United States to serve in such a position, 1950; elected, Democrat, Pennsylvania State Senate, 1961-1966; unsuccessful campaign, Lieutenant Governor, 1966; Allegheny County Commissioner 1968-1976; elected, judge, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, 1979-1990; spouse, Emilie Consuelo Sylvester Staisey; died, October 4, 1990; interment, Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. 

Pennsylvania Politics:

Elected, Democrat, Pennsylvania State Senate, 45th district, Allegheny (Part) County, 1961-1966.

Unsuccessful campaign, Lieutenant Governor, 1966. 

Allegheny County Commissioner 1968-1976. 

Elected, judge, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, 1979- resigned due to illness, 1989.  

Legacy: 

His name adorns a Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch specializing in providing reading materials for the blind and physically disabled. 

Cited:

Cox, Harold. "Senate Members S". Wilkes University Election Statistics Project. Wilkes University.

Electing Leonard C. Staisey | Heinz History Center Library and Archives (wordpress.com)

Leonard C Staisey (1920-1990) - Find a Grave Memorial