Matthew Smith (Rhode Island politician)
Matthew J. Smith | |
---|---|
218th Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives | |
In office 1980–1988 | |
Preceded by | Edward P. Manning |
Succeeded by | Joseph DeAngelis |
Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives | |
In office 1973–1988 | |
Personal details | |
Born | Matthew John Smith July 17, 1941 Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Claire Crepeau |
Children | 4 |
Alma mater | Providence College |
Matthew John Smith (born July 17, 1941) is an American politician and lawyer in the state of Rhode Island.
Smith was born in Providence in 1941, the son of Irish immigrants.[1] He earned a bachelor's (1962) and master's (1966) degrees at Providence College.[2] He worked as a professor and archivist at Providence College, and also co-authored a book on the history of Catholicism in Rhode Island.[2]
A Democrat, Smith was first elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives in a special election held in June 1973.[2] He served as Speaker of the House from 1980 to 1988, resigning his seat in 1988 upon being appointed as Clerk of the Rhode Island Supreme Court and Rhode Island court administrator.[2] In addition, Smith was a member of the boards of the St. Joseph Hospital Corporation and Blue Shield of Rhode Island.[2] He is married to Claire Crepeau and has four children.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Kilgus, Laura (April 28, 2016). "Former House Speaker 'staunch defender' of life". Rhode Island Catholic. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Sharp, Nancy Weatherly; Sharp, James Roger (August 30, 2000). American Legislative Leaders in the Northeast, 1911-1994. Bloomsbury Academic. ISBN 9780313032080 – via Google Books.
- 20th-century American legislators
- Living people
- Democratic Party members of the Rhode Island House of Representatives
- Speakers of the Rhode Island House of Representatives
- 1941 births
- Providence College alumni
- Politicians from Providence, Rhode Island
- American people of Irish descent
- Rhode Island politician stubs