Biography

Dick Thornburgh (1932–2020) was an American lawyer, author, and Republican politician who served as the 76th United States Attorney General from 1988 to 1991 under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. He previously served two terms as Governor of Pennsylvania (1979–1987) and as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Known for his leadership during the Three Mile Island nuclear accident and his strong stance on public integrity, Thornburgh also played a key role in advancing civil rights, including the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. After public service, he returned to private law practice and remained active in legal, governmental, and international reform efforts.