LYNN — Federal, state and local politicians gathered with McGee family members and Lynn community members Saturday at St. Mary’s Church in Lynn to celebrate the life of former Speaker Thomas W. McGee, who died Dec. 21.
McGee was a tough politician who loved sports, all things Lynn and helping those less fortunate than him, said his children and former colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature.
“Tom McGee was the guy who stood up for the average person,” said former House Majority leader Jack Murphy, who worked under McGee when they both served in the House of Representatives in the ’70s and ’80s.
McGee is the longest-serving speaker in the House’s history. But even as he rose to one of the most powerful positions in Massachusetts, the Lynn native never forgot where he came from, said his eldest son, State Sen. Thomas M. McGee.
“He never lost sight of why he went into office, to help people,” he said.
Some of the state’s most powerful politicians filled St. Mary’s pews to honor McGee, including: Lt. Gov. Tim Murray; Senate President Therese Murray; Speaker Robert DeLeo; Congressman Ed Markey; Congressman Stephen Lynch; Secretary of State William Galvin; former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn; former acting U.S. Senator Paul Kirk; State Treasurer Steven Grossman; President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO Steven Tolman.
More than 100 state legislatures and several former speakers and senate presidents also attended, including former Senate President William M. Bulger, former Speaker Thomas Finneran and just about every speaker since 1965.
Lynn’s mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy as well as mayors from surrounding towns and almost all members of the Lynn City Council were also present.
Thomas Costin, a former Lynn City Councilor and Mayor, said he believes McGee got his passion for public service from his mother, who worked in a shoe factory and figured prominently in the organized labor movement.
“I think Tom really picked up on watching his mother and all the good that she did, I think that was a real turning point in his attitude,” Costin said. “And I think it carried through his entire political career.”
But the pews were also filled with Lynn residents who said they appreciated the work McGee put in to make their city a better place.
“We’re here to a honor a man that did a lot for the city of Lynn,” said Lynn resident Pat Donnelly, whose father, Peter Donnelly served on the Lynn City Council with McGee. ” ”¦ He enjoyed the people of Lynn.”
McGee lost a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 88 when he died.
Reporter Chris Stevens contributed to this report. Read the full story in Monday’s edition of The Daily Item.
Amber Parcher can be reached at [email protected]. Chris Stevens can be reached at [email protected]
