Matthew McCloskey

Matthew Henry McCloskey Jr. (February 26, 1893 – April 26, 1973) was a Philadelphia businessman and Democratic fundraiser who served as United States Ambassador to Ireland from 1962 to 1964.[1]

Matthew McCloskey
McCloskey (at right) with President Truman
United States Ambassador to Ireland
In office
July 19, 1962 – June 7, 1964
PresidentJohn F. Kennedy
Preceded byGrant Stockdale
Succeeded byRaymond R. Guest
Personal details
Born(1893-02-26)February 26, 1893
Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
DiedApril 26, 1973(1973-04-26) (aged 80)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Helen Dudley
Children6, including Thomas

Biography

McCloskey was born in West Virginia, and moved to Philadelphia with his family when he was two years old.[2] At the age of 15 he left school and started working in construction; after a few years he started his own company.[3] Buildings by the McCloskey Construction Company include the Rayburn House Office Building and District of Columbia Stadium (now RFK Stadium).[3]

Democratic Party

McCloskey was an active Democrat and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1936, 1940, 1944 and 1948.[3] In 1955, he became Treasurer of the Democratic National Committee,[4] a role he held until 1961.[2] He is credited with inventing $100-a-plate fundraising dinners.[1][2]

Ambassador to Ireland

In 1962, McCloskey was appointed ambassador to Ireland by President Kennedy.[5] After confirmation by the Senate, he presented his credentials to Irish leaders on July 19, 1962, and had the official title of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.[5]

Resignation

In early 1964, it was reported that McCloskey would resign his Ireland post in order to assist with fundraising for that year's presidential election.[6] Shortly thereafter, his construction firm was named in a lawsuit alleging defective work during construction of a hospital in Boston, and in an FBI investigation into the awarding of contracts for District of Columbia Stadium work.[7] His resignation as ambassador became official on June 7, 1964.[5]

Personal life

McCloskey and his wife had six children, including Thomas McCloskey who succeeded his father in running the construction company. McCloskey died in Philadelphia in April 1973.

References
  1. "Ex-Ambassador To Ireland Dead". Press & Sun-Bulletin. Binghamton, New York. AP. April 27, 1973. Retrieved April 19, 2017 – via newspapers.com.
  2. "M'CLOSKEY NOMINATED AMBASSADOR". The Gettysburg Times. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. AP. June 7, 1962. Retrieved April 19, 2017 – via newspapers.com.
  3. "Matthew McCloskey". Spartacus Educational. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
  4. "Democrats Name Party Treasurer". The Baltimore Sun. January 20, 1955. Retrieved April 19, 2017 – via newspapers.com.
  5. "Matthew Henry McCloskey Jr. (1893–1973)". history.state.gov. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
  6. "Envoy Resigns". The Bee. Danville, Virginia. January 18, 1964. Retrieved April 19, 2017 – via newspapers.com.
  7. "McCloskey Faces Suit, FBI Probe". Philadelphia Daily News. January 23, 1964. Retrieved April 19, 2017 – via newspapers.com.

Further reading
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by
Grant Stockdale		 United States Ambassador to Ireland
1962–1964		 Succeeded by
Raymond R. Guest
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