John Joseph Garrahy was born in Providence, Rhode Island on November 26, 1930. He attended La Salle Academy, the University of Buffalo and the University of Rhode Island. He served as a member of the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict. Garrahy served in the Rhode Island Senate from 1963-1968 and was Lieutenant Governor from 1969-1976. He served as Rhode Island's Governor from 1977-1985. In 1988, Garrahy was named to the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. Garrahy passed away on January 24, 2012.