Norman Sisisky (June 9, 1927 – March 29, 2001) was an American businessman and politician who was a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from Virginia from 1983 until his death in 2001, representing the 4th District. He was a leader of the Blue Dog Coalition and one of the most conservative Democrats in Congress at the time.
Norman Sisisky | |
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Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 4th district | |
In office January 3, 1983 – March 29, 2001 | |
Preceded by | Robert Daniel |
Succeeded by | Randy Forbes |
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 27th District | |
In office 1982–1983 | |
Preceded by | Clauder Anderson |
Succeeded by | Robert Jones |
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 30th District | |
In office 1974–1982 | |
Preceded by | W. Roy Smith |
Succeeded by | Robert Ackerman |
Personal details | |
Born | June 9, 1927 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
Died | March 29, 2001 Petersburg, Virginia, U.S. | (aged 73)
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Rhoda |
Children | 4 |
Alma mater | Virginia Commonwealth University |
Profession | Businessman |
Military service | |
Branch/service | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1945–46 |
Sisisky was born in Baltimore, Maryland but grew up in Richmond, Virginia. He was Jewish.[1] Upon graduating from high school, he served a two-year tour of duty in the U.S. Navy.[2] In 1946, he entered Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a business degree in 1949.[2] Sisisky became a successful businessman, founding an independent bottling company in Petersburg that later became a part of Pepsi's Virginia operations. In 1973, Sisisky was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, serving for five terms.[2]
In 1982, Sisisky was elected to Congress, defeating five-term incumbent Republican Robert Daniel and serving from 1983 to 2001. A fiscal disciplinarian, he aligned himself with the Democratic Party's Blue Dog coalition.[2] He was a leading member of the Intelligence Committee and worked closely with the CIA.
Sisisky and his wife, Rhoda, had four sons.[2] He died from lung cancer at his home in Petersburg, Virginia, on March 29, 2001, at the age of 73.[3] A special election was held June 19, 2001 to fill his seat, and Republican State Senator Randy Forbes defeated Democratic State Senator Louise Lucas for the remainder of Sisisky's term.