Raphael John Musto

Early Life:

Raphael J. Musto (D), born 1929, in Pittston, son of the late Representative James Musto and Rose Frushton; died April 24, 2014; Pittston Township High School, 1946;  Kings College, (B.S.), 1971; married Frances Panzetta; 4 children.

Early Career:

U.S. Army, 1951-53; director, Pittston Chamber of Commerce; board member, Economic Development Council of Northeast Pa.; member, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Kings College Alumni Association, Pittston Township Volunteer Fire Company; Catholic.

Awards:

Italian American Association of Luzerne County Man of the Year- 1989; Democrats United of Luzerne County Man of the Year- 1990; Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year- 1990; Allied Services Special Achievement Award, Rehabilitation Week- 1992.

Pennsylvania Politics

Elected to Pa. House of Representatives in a special election to fill his late father’s unexpired term, November 2, 1971; elected to U.S. Congress in a special election April 9, 1980; elected to Pa. Senate 1982; Minority Caucus Secretary; minority chair, Environmental Resources & Energy Committee; member, Appropriations, Finance, Intergovernmental Affairs, Rules & Executive Nominations Commission; left office November 30, 2010. 

Pa. House of Representatives Biography

Cited: Pennsylvania Manual, Biographies of Members of the Senate, pg. 3-19; Volume 114, December, 1999.