John Garrahy

John Joseph Garrahy (born November 26, 1930), also known as J. Joseph Garrahy, of Rhode Island. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Garrahy got his start as a beer salesman. Later he was a member of Rhode Island state senate, from 1963-69. He was then Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, from 1969-77 and culminated his political career by being elected Governor of Rhode Island in 1976, serving from 1977-85. During the Blizzard of 1978, Garrahy drove from Newport to Providence to take control of the situation. He got President Carter to declare the state a Federal Disaster Area. Then he went on local TV wearing a flannel shirt telling the people of the state to stay in and that he was in charge of all rescue and clean up operations. His honesty won him the support of much of the state, which helped in his re-election. He is currently a member of Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Knights of Columbus.