After the announcement of the death of former Sen. J. Doyle Corman, leaders across the political spectrum hailed the accomplishments and integrity of the longtime central Pennsylvania lawmaker.
Republican and Democratic leaders honored Corman, whose death was announced Sunday by his son, Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman. Doyle Corman was 87.
Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and Republican former Govs. Tom Ridge and Tom Corbett all issued statements paying their respects.
“Frances and I share our deepest condolences with the entire Corman family,” Wolf said in a message to Jake Corman on Twitter. “We are grateful for your father’s service and contributions to our commonwealth.”
Ridge recalled Doyle Corman’s leadership after becoming governor in the 1990s.
“Doyle was an important voice in the state Senate for many years and was a wonderful partner to our administration in the mid-90′s when we first came to Harrisburg,” Ridge said in a statement. “He showed particular leadership in helping to advance critical transportation legislation that is a hallmark of his distinguished legislative career.”
“But even more important than being a faithful and honorable public servant, Doyle was a proud family man who always put family first,” Ridge added.
Corbett described Corman as “a true gentleman.”
“Sen. Doyle Corman was devoted to his family and dedicated to his state," Corbett said. "He served the citizens of Centre County with distinction and integrity. Sen. Corman was a true gentleman and it was a privilege to know him. He will be sorely missed.”
Born in Bellefonte, Doyle Corman, a Centre County Republican, was elected to the state Senate in 1977 and retired in 1998. Jake Corman succeeded him and has now held the seat as long as his father. Doyle Corman served as the chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.
House Speaker Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, described Doyle Corman in a Twitter post as “a principled and gracious public servant and dedicated husband, father and grandfather.”
G. Terry Madonna, a political analyst at Franklin & Marshall College, called Corman “a wonderful person and a splendid public official.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-Jefferson, called Doyle “one of the finest public servants our state has ever seen. His legacy will live on through his family, in his community and across our Commonwealth.”
Drew Crompton, Scarnati’s chief of staff, said Corman would be missed.
“Senator Doyle Corman was an outstanding legislator,” Crompton said on Twitter. “Bold, smart and dedicated. But he loved his family more than his job.”
Note: This story was updated to include a statement from former Gov. Tom Corbett.
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