Massachusetts Senator Thomas Kennedy, who overcame a disability to serve in the legislature for 32 years, died in June.

• Position: Newsmakers - Brief article - Obituary

Massachusetts Senator Thomas Kennedy (D), who overcame a disability to serve in the legislature for 32 years, died in June. He was 63. Kennedy became a quadriplegic after a fall while he was studying for the priesthood. But his political career took shape when he was elected to the Brockton City Council and later worked for then-Congressman Brian Donnelly. He was elected to the House in 1983 and served there until his election to the Senate in 2008. "He was a great friend, colleague and...