On this day in 1991, Representative Silvio Conte died at age 70. A Republican in a largely Democratic state, more liberal than most members of his party, the Pittsfield native never lost an election in his 32-year career. A powerful figure in Congress for over 30 years, he was a fun-loving and down-to-earth man who maintained a strong bond with his constituents. He was an advocate for public education, medical research, and the preservation of natural resources. One of his last accomplishments was to shepherd legislation through Congress to clean up the Connecticut River and restore its population of Atlantic Salmon. The Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, headquartered in Turners Falls, is named in his honor.