Zorinsky, Edward, 1928-1987

ZORINSKY, Edward, a Senator from Nebraska; born in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebr., November 11, 1928; attended the public schools; attended the University of Minnesota 1945-1946, and Creighton (Nebr.) University 1946-1948; graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1949; pursued graduate work at Harvard University 1966; engaged in wholesale tobacco and candy business 1950-1973; served in the United States Army Reserve 1949-1962; mayor, Omaha, Nebr., 1973-1977; member, Nebraska Judicial Qualifications Commission 1968-1971; member, board of directors, Omaha Public Power District 1969-1973; elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate in November 1976 for the six-year term commencing January 3, 1977; subsequently appointed, December 28, 1976, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of United States Senator Roman L. Hruska for the term ending January 3, 1977; reelected in 1982 and served from December 28, 1976, until his death in Omaha, Nebr., March 6, 1987; interment in Beth El Cemetery, Omaha, Nebr.

<p>Edward Zorinsky (November 11, 1928 – March 6, 1987) was an American politician who served as a Democrat in the U.S. Senate from 1976 until his death in 1987. He represented Nebraska and had previously served as mayor of Omaha, elected as a Republican. He was the first Jew elected to statewide office in Nebraska.</p>

<p>Zorinsky was born and raised in Omaha. His parents were Sonia (née Feldman) and Hymie Zorinsky, both Russian Jewish immigrants. He attended Saunders and Rosehill elementary schools and graduated from Central High School in 1945. Zorinsky attended the University of Minnesota (1945–1946) and Creighton University (1946–1948) before completing his studies at the University of Nebraska, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and zoology in 1949.</p>

<p>For twenty-three years, Zorinsky worked in the wholesale tobacco and candy business. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1949 to 1962. He enrolled at Harvard University in 1966 to pursue his graduate work, and later served as a member of the Nebraska Judicial Qualifications Commission (1968–1971) and of the Board of Directors for Omaha Public Power District (1969–1973). From 1973 to 1976, he served as Mayor of Omaha. He earned a great deal of popularity due to his response to a blizzard and a series of tornadoes that hit Omaha in 1975.</p>