Paul Cellucci was an American politician who served as the 69th Governor of Massachusetts from 1997 to 2001. Born on April 24, 1948, in Hudson, Massachusetts, Cellucci was a member of the Republican Party. He attended local schools and then graduated from Boston College in 1970 and received his law degree from Boston College Law School in 1973.
Cellucci began his political career as a selectman in Hudson and then served as a state representative and senator before being appointed Lieutenant Governor under Governor William Weld in 1991. He became governor in 1997 when Weld resigned to pursue an ambassadorial position.
As governor, Cellucci focused on education reform, reducing taxes, and expanding economic opportunities. He played a significant role in obtaining federal funding for Massachusetts, particularly for higher education and transportation infrastructure projects. Cellucci also advocated for environmental protection, public safety, and healthcare reform during his tenure.
After leaving the governorship in 2001, Cellucci was appointed as the United States Ambassador to Canada by President George W. Bush, where he served until 2005. He then returned to Massachusetts and engaged in various consulting and political activities.
Paul Cellucci passed away on June 8, 2013, after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. His legacy is marked by his commitment to public service and his contributions to the government and people of Massachusetts and the United States.
