Alexander Anthony Farrelly (December 29, 1923 – September 10, 2002) was an American politician who served as the 4th governor of the United States Virgin Islands from 1987 to 1995, as a member of the Democratic Party. Prior to his tenure as governor he was a municipal judge and a member of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands.

Early life and education

Alexander Anthony Farrelly was born in Frederiksted, U.S. Virgin Islands, on December 29, 1923. He graduated from St. Patrick's Parochial School in 1940. He served in the United States Army before receiving a honorable discharge. He graduated from St. John's University, New York with a Bachelor of Laws degree and from Yale University with a Master of Laws degree. He was elected president of the Pi Sigma Alpha at St. John's University in 1950.

Career

In 1955, Farrelly started practicing law in New York. He became a Caribbean specialist for the United Nations. Farrelly returned to the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1962, and became an assistant U.S. attorney. Governor Ralph Moses Paiewonsky appointed him as judge of the Municipal Court of the Virgin Islands in 1965.

Running as a candidate for the Unity Democrats in the 1966 election, Farrelly won a seat in the Legislature of the Virgin Islands as an at-large candidate. His vote total of 7,324 was the highest ever received by a candidate at that point. He was reelected to represent the St. Thomas-St. John district.

The Third Constitutional Convention was held in 1977, and Farrelly was made president. He was general counsel for the Fourth Constitutional Convention held in 1980.

From 1976 to 1998, he represented the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Democratic National Committee.

Governor

In the 1970 gubernatorial election Farrelly was the Democratic nominee, but lost to Republican nominee Melvin H. Evans.

From 1987 to 1995, Farrelly served as governor of the United States Virgin Islands. Farrelly was the first member of the Democratic Party elected as governor and was the second governor to be elected to a second term.

Raphael Joseph, who received multiple life sentences for his involvement in the Fountain Valley massacre, was pardoned by Farrelly.

Personal life

Farrelly married Catherine, who died in 1982, and later married Joan. He died in Arlington County, Virginia, on September 10, 2002.

References

Works cited

  • Alexander Farrelly.com, a tribute site

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