Massachusetts across the political spectrum felt deep concern when former Governor and Ambassador to Canada A. Paul Cellucci’s diagnosis of Lou Gehrig’s Disease became public several years ago. The news was troubling to many who had known him as an energetic leader now facing a disease without cure.
What our late former publisher Andrew P. Quigley—himself a State Senator, Mayor, and School Committeeman whose political career spanned 42 years—called “The ability to disagree without being disagreeable.” was embodied in Paul Cellucci. Despite being a Republican in a heavily Democratic state, Cellucci succeeded through recognizing that “Politics is the art of compromise,” the words of Henry Clay, principles largely abandoned by today’s Republican officeholders. His background as a selectman in his Hudson hometown and as a state senator before his election as governor gave him deep understanding of how vital state and local government are to citizens’ daily lives.
Cellucci also demonstrated strong commitment to individual rights, notably advocating for women facing domestic violence.
His love for Massachusetts was evident throughout his career. While disagreements arose between us on various matters, his dedication to improving the state was never in question. His passing represents a loss to everyone who knew him.