Former U.S. Congressman dies in Winters

(Public domain photo)

A former U.S. Congressman who represented a portion of the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly two decades passed away at his home in Winters this week.

Paul “Pete” McCloskey was 96 years old. His death was attributed to congestive heart failure, according to a family spokesperson.

McCloskey represented San Mateo County as a U.S. Congressman from 1967 to 1983. A progressive Republican who espoused fiscal conservatism, McCloskey is likely best known as the co-founder of Earth Day and the co-author of the Endangered Species Act. McCloskey was also the first member of the Republican Party to publicly call for former President Richard Nixon’s impeachment over the Watergate Scandal and to voice his opposition to the war in Vietnam.

In his later years, McCloskey switched his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat. He spoke openly about his support for abortion rights and stem cell research.

Prior to his legislative service, McCloskey served in the Armed Forces from 1945 to 1974, holding ranks in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. He retired from the Marine Corps Reserves with the rank of Colonel.

McCloskey later settled in Winters with his wife and six rescue dogs, a family spokesperson said.