Harrisburg Patriot-News
Gov. Tom Corbett described the late former Gov. William Scranton as a “world-class leader in government” who will be remembered for his service to his country, contributions to education and for being a man of humility and integrity in a statement issued by his office.
To honor the late governor’s memory, Corbett has ordered state flags to be lowered to half-staff immediately until sunset on the day of his funeral. Services arrangements are still pending.
Scranton died Sunday in California of a brain hemorrhage. He was 96.
Corbett’s statement reads: “Governor Scranton was a world-class leader in government. He will be remembered as a man of humility, honesty, dignity and integrity.
“Descending from a distinguished family with a long history of public service, Scranton made his mark as congressman, governor, and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
“He was a member of the Greatest Generation, putting his own dreams on hold to serve as a pilot during World War II, returning home to lead by example as he served his fellow Pennsylvanians.”
Corbett offered highlights from Scranton’s tenure as Pennsylvania’s 38th governor from 1963 to 1967. They include such reforms as creating the community college system, the State Board of Education and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, as well as the Council of Science and Technology to advocate for new technical training programs.
In 2000, Scranton became the third recipient of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s Pennsylvania Founders Award, for representing the ideals of William Penn in individual rights, religious toleration, representative government, public support of education and free enterprise.
“Susan and I mourn the passing of this distinguished man and offer our sincerest condolences to his wife, Mary, and their family. We will always be grateful for Governor Scranton’s service and the legacy he left our great commonwealth.”