Pete McCloskey, a former Congressman that served in the House of Representatives from 1967 to 1983, and was a vocal critic of President Richard Nixon, has died at the age of 96.
McCloskey represented South Bay, California during his time in the House. His official cause of death is being listed as congestive heart failure. Family spokesman Lee Houskeeper confirmed his death.
The former Congressman passed away at his home on May 8th, 2024. McCloskey was a consistent critic of Richard Nixon during his career, accusing the former President of expanding an “illegal” war in Vietnam and calling for his impeachment over the conflict while challenging him for reelection.
He was also known for defeated Shirley Temple Black in her run for Congress in a 1967 Special Election. NBC Bay Area reports on his death,
McCloskey earned both an undergraduate and law degree from Stanford University and served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1947.
He also joined the Marine Corps after college and served as a rifle platoon leader during the Korean War, earning both the Navy Cross and Silver Star, as well as two Purple Hearts.
During his legal career, McCloskey tried more than 100 cases in front of juries, starting out first as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County and then going on to help found the firm of McCloskey, Wilson & Moshe.
Later in life, McCloskey settled down on an organic farm in Yolo County with his wife Helen and continued to be active in environmental causes, while both serving on various nonprofit boards, according to an announcement from his law firm.
NBC Bay Area
The former Congressman is survived by his wife Helen, and his four children Nancy, Peter, John, and Kathleen McCloskey. He is also survived by many grand-children and great-grandchildren.
Rest in peace, Pete McCloskey!
