Garrahy, a Democrat, led the state from 1977 to 1985 and before that was Lt. Governor from 1969 to 1977.

Former Providence Journal political columnist M. Charles Bakst recalls Garrahy as a down to earth politician who didn't have a mean bone in his body. Bakst says Garrahy became an icon because of his comforting leadership during the Blizzard of 78

"I was thinking of people like Rocky Marciano or Stan Musial or people like that who had their careers and then the rest of their lives, they just played that role" says Bakst. "And I said, Your role in life is to be Joe Garrahy,' and he sort of chuckled, and said, Yeah, it's pretty good.'

U.S. Senator Jack Reed says Garrahy combined courage and decency with a warm and embracing spirit. Governor Lincoln Chafee says Garrahy had an unending love for the people of Rhode Island.

Joseph Garrahy was 81-years-old.

Remembering Joseph Garrahy
Click the audio icon to hear Political Analyst Scott MacKay and M. Charles Bakst discuss the life and legacy of former governor Garrahy.

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