During his 36-year career in Congress, Rep. John Murtha became one of the most powerful men in Washington.
But in the rugged hills of Cambria County -- where Murtha raised a family and rose to power -- he will be remembered as a man who never forgot his roots or the people he represented.
Thomas sabo charms The longest-serving congressman in Pennsylvania history "never seemed so important to me," said Lisa Smith Dabney, 52, who in college roomed at Indiana University of Pennsylvania with Murtha's daughter, Donna. "He was just so wonderful and gracious -- no matter how much he achieved, he never lost that ability to connect with the common person."
On Sunday in Westmont, a suburb of Johnstown, more than 1,200 people endured cold temperatures and blowing snow to stand in line outside the Frank Duca Funeral Home. In some cases, they waited more than an hour to pay their final respects to Murtha, 77, who died Feb. 8 of complications arising from gallbladder surgery.
Inside, Murtha lay in a casket adorned with white lilies and blue delphiniums: Murtha's favorite flowers, which he grew in his garden, a spokesman said.
An American flag rested on Murtha's right shoulder. His wife of 55 years, Joyce, stood near his left shoulder, shaking hands and sharing stories with every visitor. Murtha's daughter and twin sons, John and Patrick, and grandchildren, Jack, Anne and Clayton, greeted visitors.
The Murtha family did not address the media. But his many admirers -- including several members of Congress, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and Gov. Ed Rendell -- were eager to praise one of the most influential politicians in state history.
"Jack was my friend," Rendell said. "We were two people who always spoke our minds."
Murtha enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1952 and later served in Vietnam. In 2002, he voted to go to war in Iraq, but subsequent visits there convinced him President Bush's strategy wasn't working. In time, Murtha publicly criticized the administration for its handling of the war effort.
"You talk about integrity," Rendell said. "That was something that shook the nation, and it took John Murtha to stand up and say, 'Bring the troops home.' "
Judge John Driscoll, a former Westmoreland County district attorney, said he was "crestfallen and heartbroken" at Murtha's death. Still, he couldn't help replica hublot watches smiling as he recalled Murtha's strict habit of always being early.
"I remember one time we had an 8 a.m. meeting and I arrived at the parking lot at 10 minutes before 8," Driscoll said. "I think I'm early -- but there he is, sitting in his car and reading the paper. He says, 'Where you been? I've been here since 7:20!'"
Murtha spokesman Matthew Mazonkey said he learned early in his five years of working for the congressman to operate on "Murtha Time."
replica tag heruer watches "If an event started at 8, you had better be there at least an hour before," Mazonkey said. "I came into the office at 7 a.m. every morning, and he was always there. He used to tell me he delivered newspapers as a boy, and that's when he got used to waking up at 5 a.m."
Mazonkey laughed at the memory, as did others mourners when sharing their recollections of Murtha. Yesterday was a day to celebrate his accomplishments, they said, rather than dwell on his passing.
"His legacy --
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