Former Congressman and Travel Ally William Delahunt Dies at 82

Former Congressman William D. Delahunt (D-Mass.) died on Saturday, March 30, following a long-term illness, his family announced. He was 82. Among a long list of achievements, Delahunt was a “great champion” of the travel industry, said U.S. Travel Association president Geoff Freeman in a statement released today.

“When the United States struggled to rebuild international inbound travel in the decade following the 9/11 terrorist attack, Congressman Delahunt led the effort to restore America as the world's top travel destination,” said Freeman. “His vision led to bipartisan legislation creating Brand USA, America's travel marketing organization, and millions of new visitors to the United States benefiting every region of this country. The travel industry is deeply grateful for his leadership and thoughtful vision for improving America's economy and diplomacy.”

Delahunt served 14 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, from 1997 to 2011, for the 10th congressional district of Massachusetts. He also was the Norfolk County district attorney from 1975 to 1996 after serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1973 to 1975.

Dedicated to justice and compassion

Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), who served with Delahunt in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997 to 2010, admired Delahunt’s devotion to justice, equality and compassion. “As D.A., he created the first ever domestic-violence prevention unit in the country and changed both the way women and spouses are treated by the justice system, and how they are viewed — as equal to men, as whole beings, and as the focus for justice, rather than just an afterthought,” said Markey in a statement.

Delahunt also led an effort to ease international adoptions, Markey noted. “Because of his law, every child that was adopted from overseas automatically became a citizen of the United States. In just one day, 80,000 young people became American citizens.”

Celebrating his service and legacy

Delahunt “passed away peacefully” at his home in Quincy, Mass., according to a statement from his family. His specific cause of death was not disclosed.

“While we mourn the loss of such a tremendous person, we also celebrate his remarkable life and his legacy of dedication, service and inspiration,” the statement said. “We could always turn to him for wisdom, solace and a laugh, and his absence leaves a gaping hole in our family and our hearts.”