John Joseph 'Joe' Moakley was an American politician and lawyer who served as a Democratic U.S. Representative for Massachusetts's 9th congressional district from 1973 until his death in 2001. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 27, 1927, Moakley served in the U.S. Army during World War II, enlisting at age 18. After the war, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Boston College in 1948 and a Bachelor of Laws from Suffolk University Law School in 1956. His political career began in the Massachusetts House of Representatives (1953-1960), followed by service as register of probate for Suffolk County (1960-1970). In 1972, he won a rematch against incumbent Louise Day Hicks to secure the congressional seat previously held by retiring Speaker John W. McCormack, representing parts of Boston and surrounding areas. During his nearly three decades in Congress, Moakley was a prominent figure in foreign affairs, human rights, and international aid, known for his work on Central American aid, opposition to human rights abuses in East Timor, support for Irish peace processes, and bipartisan cooperation. He chaired the House Rules Committee as the last Democrat to do so before Republicans gained control in 1995. Moakley passed away on May 28, 2001, in Bethesda, Maryland, from complications related to myelodysplasia. He is honored through Joe Moakley Park in Boston and the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse.