SALT LAKE CITY -- Orrin G. Hatch, who became the longest-serving Republican senator in history as he represented Utah for more than four decades, died Saturday at age 88.
He launched the Hatch Foundation as he retired in 2019 and was replaced by Mitt Romney. A conservative on most economic and social issues, he nonetheless teamed with Democrats several times during his long career on issues ranging from stem cell research to rights for people with disabilities to expanding children’s health insurance. He also formed friendships across the aisle, particularly with the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.
Hatch, retired in January 2019 at the end of his last term, served in the Senate for 42 years, making him the longest-serving Republican senator.
He was singer with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Born the son of a carpenter and plaster lather, he overcame the poverty of his youth to become a United States Senator.”
He is survived by his wife, Elaine, and their six children
Hatch was born in Homestead Park, Pennsylvania, in 1934.
Hatch graduated from Brigham Young University in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in history and from the University of Pittsburgh with a law degree in 1962. He moved to Utah in 1969.
Orrin Hatch Splits With GOP On “Ground Zero Mosque”
Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch (Utah) this week became one of the most prominent members of his party to voice his support for the Lower Manhattan mosque.
In a local television interview over the weekend, Hatch said developers have the right to build the proposed Park51 Islamic center, which includes a mosque, two blocks from the site of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“If the Muslims own that property — that private property and they want to build a Mosque there, they should have the right to do so,” said Hatch, who is a Mormon. “The only question is, are they being insensitive to those who suffered the loss of loved ones? We know there are Muslims killed on 9/11, too, and we know it’s a great religion.”
