Lamb, Thomas F., 1922-

Thomas F. Lamb was born on October 22, 1922 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of James and Agnes Dunne Lamb. He attended St. James Elementary and High School and then went on to graduate from Duquesne University (B.A.) and Duquesne University Law School (LL.B.). Prior to his political career, Lamb served as Lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II. He is a member of the Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations. Lamb was also a member of many community organizations, which include Knights of Columbus, American Legion, V.F.W., and Knights of Equity. On October 5, 1957, he married Barbara Joyce and together they had four children, Thomas, James, Michael, and Barbara. Lamb was elected as a Democrat to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 1958-1964. During his appointment to the House, Lamb was influential in making the University of Pittsburgh, which was nearing bankruptcy, a state-related institution. In 1966 he was elected to the 42nd district of the State Senate and was re-elected in 1970, in which he served until 1974. As the Democratic majority leader Lamb had a leading role in reaching legislative agreement in many debates. He was a supporter of mine subsidence, strip-mine control, and clean streams. Thomas Lamb also played a role in the creation of the Port Authority Transit (PAT), the establishment of college scholarship programs, and providing medical assistance for the poor. Lamb did not run for re-election in 1974 so he could spend more time with his family.