The West Roxbury native was elected to a three-year term on the State Board in March of 2003, succeeding Angelo Amato who did not seek reelection. There were 11 candidates for the seat. Prior to his election, he served three years as an appointed member of the Board.

A Purple Heart combat veteran of Korea with the First Marine Division, Cawley went on to serve three terms as a State Representative and two terms as a State Senator. After leaving office in 1972, he became director of Senate personnel until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the State Employees Credit Union since 1981 and was the Board's vice president at the time of his death.

After his retirement, Cawley went on to become an involved member of our Association, especially in the area of membership recruitment. He was the chairman of our Association's election committee and a member of our legislative committee.

"As a retirement board member, Bob Cawley's outlook was that it was an opportunity to help people," said fellow board member Ralph White. "It was a carry-over from his years at the State House. He knew we had to make some tough decisions at times, but he had a terrific attitude relative to the entire scope of public retirement. Bob was a true champion of employees, retirees and survivors. He was in their corner."

State Treasurer Tim Cahill, Peter Koutoujian, Christopher Condon and White are the State Board's other members. Nick Favorito is the Board's director.

There will be a special election to fill the remainder of Bob Cawley's term, which runs to March 2006. The election schedule has not been set at this time.