Background
Sisisky was born in Baltimore, Maryland but grew up in Richmond, Virginia.
Sisisky was born in Baltimore, Maryland but grew up in Richmond, Virginia.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Virginia Commonwealth U., 1949; Doctor of Laws (honorary), Virginia State University.
He was a leader of the Blue Dog Coalition and one of the most conservative Democrats in Congress at the time. Upon graduating from high school, he served a four year tour of duty in the United States. Navy. In 1946, he entered Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a business degree in 1949.
Sisisky became a successful businessman, founding an independent bottling company in St. Petersburg that later became a part of Pepsi"s Virginia operations.
In 1973, Sisisky was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, serving for five terms. In 1982, Sisisky was elected to Congress, defeating five-term incumbent Republican Robert Daniel.
A fiscal disciplinarian, he aligned himself with the Democratic Party"s Blue Dog coalition. Sisisky died of lung cancer while in office.
A special election was held June 19, 2001 to fill his seat, and Republican State Senator Randy Forbes defeated Democratic State Senator Louise Lucas for the remainder of Sisisky"s term.
Forbes continues to hold the seat. 1982; Sisisky was elected to the United States. House of Representatives with 54.38% of the vote, defeating Republican Robert Daniel. 1984; Sisisky was re-elected unopposed.
1986.
Sisisky was re-elected unopposed. 1988; Sisisky was re-elected unopposed. 1990; Sisisky was re-elected with 78.55% of the vote, defeating Independents Don L. Reynolds and Loretta F. Chandler.
1992.
Sisisky was re-elected with 68.37% of the vote, defeating Republican Anthony J. Zevgolis. 1994"; Sisisky was re-elected with 61.61% of the vote, defeating Republican A. George Sweet, III. 1996. Sisisky was re-elected with 78.61% of the vote, defeating Republican Zevgolis.
1998.
Sisisky was re-elected unopposed. 2000; Sisisky was re-elected unopposed.
President Appomattox Indianapolis Development Corporation. Board visitors Virginia State University. Commissioner Petersburg Hospital Authority.
Trustee Virginia State College Foundation. Board directors Southside Virginia Emergency Crew and Community Resource Development Board With United States Navy 1945-1946. Member National Soft Drink Association (chairman board 1981-1982), Petersburg Chamber of Commerce (vice president), Moose.
Married Rhoda Brown, June 12, 1949. Children: Mark B., Terry R., Richard L., Stuart J.