Matthew McCloskey

Matthew McCloskey

McCloskey (at right) with President Truman
United States Ambassador to Ireland
In office
July 19, 1962 – June 7, 1964
President John F. Kennedy
Preceded by Grant Stockdale
Succeeded by Raymond R. Guest
Personal details
Born (1893-02-26)February 26, 1893
Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
Died April 26, 1973(1973-04-26) (aged 80)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Nationality American
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Helen Dudley
Children 6, incl. Thomas McCloskey

Matthew Henry McCloskey Jr. (February 26, 1893 – April 26, 1973) was a Philadelphia businessman and Democratic fundraiser who served as United States Ambassador to Ireland from 1962 to 1964.[1]

Biography

McCloskey was born in West Virginia, and moved to Philadelphia with his family when he was two years old.[2] At the age of 15 he left school and started working in construction; after a few years he started his own company.[3] Buildings by the McCloskey Construction Company include the Rayburn House Office Building and District of Columbia Stadium (now RFK Stadium).[3]

Democratic Party

McCloskey was an active Democrat and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1936, 1940, 1944 and 1948.[3] In 1955, he became Treasurer of the Democratic National Committee,[4] a role he held until 1961.[2] He is credited with inventing $100-a-plate fundraising dinners.[1][2]

Ambassador to Ireland

In 1962, McCloskey was appointed ambassador to Ireland by President Kennedy.[5] After confirmation by the Senate, he presented his credentials to Irish leaders on July 19, 1962, and had the official title of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.[5]

Resignation

In early 1964, it was reported that McCloskey would resign his Ireland post in order to assist with fundraising for that year's presidential election.[6] Shortly thereafter, his construction firm was named in a lawsuit alleging defective work during construction of a hospital in Boston, and in an FBI investigation into the awarding of contracts for District of Columbia Stadium work.[7] His resignation as ambassador became official on June 7, 1964.[5]

Personal life

McCloskey and his wife had six children, including Thomas McCloskey who succeeded his father in running the construction company. McCloskey died in Philadelphia in April 1973.

References

  1. 1 2 "Ex-Ambassador To Ireland Dead"Free access subject to limited trial, subscription normally required. Press & Sun-Bulletin. Binghamton, New York. AP. April 27, 1973. Retrieved April 19, 2017 – via newspapers.com.
  2. 1 2 3 "M'CLOSKEY NOMINATED AMBASSADOR"Free access subject to limited trial, subscription normally required. The Gettysburg Times. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania . AP. June 7, 1962. Retrieved April 19, 2017 – via newspapers.com.
  3. 1 2 3 "Matthew McCloskey". Spartacus Educational. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
  4. ↑ "Democrats Name Party Treasurer"Free access subject to limited trial, subscription normally required. The Baltimore Sun. January 20, 1955. Retrieved April 19, 2017 – via newspapers.com.
  5. 1 2 3 "Matthew Henry McCloskey Jr. (1893–1973)". history.state.gov. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Envoy Resigns"Free access subject to limited trial, subscription normally required. The Bee. Danville, Virginia. January 18, 1964. Retrieved April 19, 2017 – via newspapers.com.
  7. ↑ "McCloskey Faces Suit, FBI Probe"Free access subject to limited trial, subscription normally required. Philadelphia Daily News. January 23, 1964. Retrieved April 19, 2017 – via newspapers.com.

Further reading

Diplomatic posts
Preceded by
Grant Stockdale		 United States Ambassador to Ireland
1962–1964 		Succeeded by
Raymond R. Guest
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