Foster Furcolo

Foster Furcolo
60th Governor of Massachusetts
In office January 3, 1957 – January 5, 1961
Lieutenant	Robert F. Murphy
Preceded by	Christian Herter
Succeeded by	John A. Volpe
50th Treasurer and Receiver-General of Massachusetts
In office July 5, 1952 – January 1955
Governor	Paul A. Dever Christian A. Herter
Preceded by	John E. Hurley
Succeeded by	John Francis Kennedy
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 2nd district
In office January 3, 1949 – September 30, 1952
Preceded by	Charles R. Clason
Succeeded by	Edward Boland
Personal details
Born	(1911-07-29)July 29, 1911 New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
Died	July 5, 1995(1995-07-05) (aged 83) Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Education	Yale University
Profession	Lawyer
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Navy
Rank	Lieutenant (junior grade)
Battles/wars	World War II

John Foster Furcolo (July 29, 1911 – July 5, 1995) was an American lawyer, writer, and Democratic Party politician from Massachusetts. He was the state's 60th governor, and also represented the state as a member of the United States House of Representatives. He was the first Italian-American governor of the state, and an active promoter of community colleges.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut and educated at Yale, Furcolo practiced law before serving in the United States Navy during World War II. He first won election to Congress in 1948, and served most of two terms, resigning after being appointed Massachusetts Treasurer in 1952 by Governor Paul A. Dever. He won two terms as governor, serving from 1957 to 1961. In addition to supporting community colleges, he also furthered the redevelopment of parts of Boston, supporting development of the Prudential Center and Government Center. His administration was overshadowed by corruption scandals, but no charges against him made it to trial. He was twice an unsuccessful candidate for the United States Senate. He was the author of several books, including a novel set amid events surrounding the World War II Katyn massacre.