Former Congressman Dead at Age 88

Each year, hundreds of legislators are chosen to fill a variety of roles at the municipal, state, and federal levels. While some fail to leave much of an impression, others stand out for their achievements. Despite having a distinguished career in Congress, former Rep. Ronald Sarasin (R-CT) is remembered today for his work after leaving office.

At the age of 88, Sarasin passed away on March 27 at his home in McLean, Virginia. Sarasin, who represented Connecticut’s 5th district in Congress, was born in Massachusetts but raised in Connecticut. During the Korean War, he served in the US Navy before returning home to complete his legal education. In 1969, when he was chosen to serve in the Connecticut House of Representatives, he made his political debut. After winning the election in 1972, he continued serving there from 1969 to 1973 before moving on to the US House.

Sarasin ran for governor of Connecticut after being elected to two further two-year terms in 1974 and 1976. Despite receiving the Republican nomination, he was defeated by Ella Grasso (D), who held the position until 1980.

After leaving the government, Sarasin continued to keep himself occupied by working for the National Restaurant Association and the National Beer Wholesalers Association. But as CEO of the US Capitol Historical Society, he appeared to have finally found himself. During his tenure in the position, which spanned 2000 to 2018, he put a lot of effort into developing educational programs that focused on the Capitol and raised knowledge of the history of the structure, including “documenting the role of enslaved labor” in its construction. He held the position for 18 years, and the society has stated that it will miss his perspective.

Leslie, Sarasin’s wife, and his two boys, Douglas and Michael, are left behind. On May 20, funeral services will be performed in Washington, DC.