Harrisburg – April 24, 2014 – Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) issued the following statement on the death of former Sen. Ray Musto. Musto served in the Senate from 1982 to 2010 representing Luzerne, Carbon and Monroe Counties.
Musto began his career in public service when he won a special election in 1971 to fill his late father James Musto’s unexpired term in the state House of Representatives. He served in the House until 1980 when he was then elected to the United States Congress in a special election. In 1982, he was elected to the state Senate.
Costa’s statement is as follows:
“Our thoughts and prayers go out today to Senator Musto’s family and friends as we mourn his passing. Senator Musto was a champion of the environment, a legislative force and a friend who always had a kind word to help his colleagues during difficult times.
“Senator Musto was a lawmaker of depth, substance and compassion. He took time to learn issues and he used his experience and expertise to benefit the citizens of Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“From legislation that established curbside recycling to Pennsylvania’s Growing Greener program and the landmark legislation to spur the development of abandoned industrial property, Senator Musto played a significant role in crafting environmental policy in his nearly 40 years in the legislature.
“During his long years of public service, he achieved a great deal for Northeastern Pennsylvania. His contributions will live on and his policy footprint will continue to guide future generations. Pennsylvania is a better place today because of Senator Ray Musto’s service.”
Musto served in the U.S. Army from 1951-53. He graduated in 1971 from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre and holds Doctorate of Letters degrees from Kings and Wilkes Colleges.
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