Richard A. Snelling
American politician
Died when: 64 years 176 days (773 months)Star Sign: Aquarius
Richard Arkwright Snelling (February 18, 1927 – August 13, 1991) was an American businessman and politician.He was most notable for his service as the 76th and 78th governor of Vermont from 1977 to 1985 and from January 10, 1991, until his death.
A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Snelling was educated in Allentown and served in the United States Army at the end of World War II and during the post-war occupation of Germany.
He graduated from Harvard University in 1948 and embarked on a business career, working for companies in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
After settling in Vermont, he founded Shelburne Industries, a maker of ski racks and other ski equipment.He also became active in politics as a Republican and served a term in the Vermont House of Representatives (1959–1961), in addition to running unsuccessful campaigns for the Vermont Senate (1956), lieutenant governor (1964), and governor (1966).
In 1972, Snelling was again elected to the Vermont House.He was reelected in 1974, and served from 1973 to 1977.In his second term, Snelling was chosen to serve as the majority leader.
In 1976, Snelling was the successful Republican nominee for governor.He was reelected three times, and served from 1977 to 1985.In 1986, Snelling was the unsuccessful Republican nominee for the United States Senate, and was defeated by incumbent Democrat Patrick Leahy.
In 1990, he was the successful Republican nominee for governor.He was inaugurated in January 1991, and served until his death.Snelling's family was also prominent in Vermont politics; his wife Barbara served as lieutenant governor and a member of the state senate.
His daughter Diane succeeded her mother as a state senator.In addition, his son Mark was an unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor in 2010.
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