Senator Raphael J. “Ray” Musto was born March 30, 1929, in Pittston, Pennsylvania, a son of the late state representative James Musto and Rose Frushon Musto. 

He received his early education from Pittston Township schools, graduating from high school in 1946.  A Korean War veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from 1951-53.  Senator Musto graduated in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. 

He was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in a special election to fill his late father’s unexpired term in 1971 and was re-elected to four consecutive terms.  On April 9, 1980, he won a special election for the 11^th U.S. Congressional District.

 In November 1982, he was elected to the Senate of Pennsylvania to serve the 14^th Senatorial District.  Senator Musto was re-elected in 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006.  Senator Musto served as Senate Democratic Caucus Secretary , from 1997 to 2004, a leadership position voted by fellow Democratic senators. 

Senator Musto also serves as Democratic chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and Senate Education Committee.  He also is past co-chairman of the Council of State Governments, Eastern Regional Council, which encompasses 11 states, five Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Senator Musto resides in Pittston Township with his wife, the former Frances Panzetta Musto.  They are the parents of four children: James, Jenkins Township; Raphael Jr., Hughestown Borough; Michael, Arlington, Virginia; and Frances Ann, Plains Township.  The couple has seven grandchildren.

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