Arlen Specter, a renowned American lawyer, author, and politician, served as a United States Senator from Pennsylvania for an impressive 30-year tenure from 1981 to 2011.
Born on February 12, 1930, in Wichita, Kansas, Specter was the son of Russian/Ukrainian Jewish immigrant parents. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and later served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
After his military service, Specter attended Yale Law School and co-founded a law firm with Marvin Katz, who would later become a federal judge. Specter's expertise in law led him to serve as assistant counsel for the Warren Commission, where he played a crucial role in formulating the "single-bullet theory" regarding the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
In 1965, Specter was elected as the District Attorney of Philadelphia, a position he held until 1973. This marked the beginning of his long and illustrious career in politics.
As a senator, Specter positioned himself at the center of the political spectrum. He served as the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2005 to 2007 and was recognized by Time Magazine as one of America's Ten Best Senators in 2006.
Specter's remarkable career was not without its challenges. In 1993, he underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor, and in 2005, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Despite these health issues, Specter continued to work in the Senate while undergoing chemotherapy.
Tragically, Specter's health issues ultimately took their toll. He died on October 14, 2012, due to complications from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Despite his passing, Specter's legacy as a dedicated public servant and a champion of justice continues to inspire and influence future generations.
