PITTSTON -- Thomas Tigue, a longtime state lawmaker, passed away Monday morning.
Tigue, a Democrat, served 12 terms in Harrisburg, representing parts of Lackawanna, Luzerne and Monroe counties.
The Pittston Area Primary School lowered the American flag to half-staff Monday in memory of Tigue. The longtime state representative served in Harrisburg for 25 years, but not before first serving on the Pittston Area School Board.
“The flag pole that we are going to name after him is going to be called Col. Tom Tigue Hero's Park and he really wanted to be known for his service in the Marine Corps than his service as a state representative,” said Superintendent Kevin Booth of the Pittston Area School District.
At the Hughestown Borough building, a black bunting is draped over it in memory of him. He also used to work at the building back when he was a state representative.
Representative Mike Carroll succeeded Tigue after he left office in 2006.
“Everything that Tom has done during his career was purely in the interest of the folks of NEPA,” he said.
Tigue's service to his country started when he served in Vietnam. He earned a Silver Star, the third-highest military decoration to members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Former lawmaker Kevin Blaum worked with Tigue in the statehouse.
“He was a wonderful man. He was a war hero. He wore the Silver Star from Vietnam, which is an extraordinary medal to receive and something he did not talk about. He's going to be missed,” he said.
Thomas Tigue was 70 years old. Funeral arrangements are still being made.