Massachusetts

Wilmington State Representative Collapses, Dies at Baseball Game

Massachusetts State Rep. James Miceli died this morning after he collapsed while going to make a speech during an opening day Little League event in Wilmington.

Miceli, 83, was a Democrat representing Wilmington, was vice chair of the House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change, a member of the Joint Committee on Tourism, and of the House Ways and Means Committee, according to published reports.

Miceli apparently had health issues recently. He collapsed during an event in Boston inn late February and was taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment in February, according to a Lowell Sun article.

Miceli served in the Massachusetts State House since 1977. He represented the Nineteenth Middlesex, consisting of precincts in Tewksbury and Wilmington, according to his website. He was also a graduate of Northeastern University. He formerly served on the MBTA Advisory Board and the Wilmington Planning Board from 1963-1966.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, who said he knew Miceli for 30 years, said though he didn’t always agree with him, he was always passionate about his district.

"He just loved public service," Baker said. "He loved his community and he loved being a rep. He did it with all he had for a really long time."

Other political figures from around the Commonwealth offered their condolences as well.

"Rep. Miceli was a gentleman, a fierce advocate for his constituents, and a tireless public servant who gave everything he had for the betterment of Massachusetts and his communities," said Massachusetts Senate President Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester). "His presence and voice will be missed."

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