NEWSSargent Shriver, Peace Corps Founder, Dies at 95
Jan. 19 2011, Published 3:27 p.m. ET
Robert Sargent Shriver, founder of the Peace Corps and father of Maria Shriver and father-in-law to Arnold Schwarzenegger, passed away last night. He was 95.
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Known as R. Sargent Shriver or simply Sarge, his legacy is the driving force behind the Peace Corps. He was also a vice-presidential nominee during the 1972 presidential election. Sarge married into the Kennedy family when he tied the knot with the late Eunice Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics and sister of the late John F. Kennedy.
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In a statement, President Barack Obama said, "Over the course of his long and distinguished career, Sarge came to embody the idea of public service." Former President George W. Bush echoed that statement and remarked on his legacy of service. "Mr. Shriver was a kind and compassionate man who dedicated his life to serving others. He represented the very best of America in all his endeavors."
His career is as illustrious as the family he married into; he served as the U.S. Ambassador to France, Special Assistant to President Lyndon B. Johnson and also served in the U.S. Navy. In later years he was stricken by Alzheimers which prompted Maria to write a book, What's Happened to Grandpa.
Our hearts go out to the Shriver family.
