John Heinz | |
|---|---|
 | |
| United States Senator from Pennsylvania | |
| In office January 3, 1977 – April 4, 1991 | |
| Preceded by | Hugh Scott |
| Succeeded by | Harris Wofford |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 18th district | |
| In office November 2, 1971 – January 3, 1977 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Corbett |
| Succeeded by | Doug Walgren |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Henry John Heinz III October 23, 1938 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | April 4, 1991 (aged 52) Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Helicopter crash |
| Resting place | Homewood Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3, including André and Christopher |
| Parent |
|
| Relatives | Henry J. Heinz (great-grandfather) Drue English (stepmother) |
| Alma mater | Yale University (BA) Harvard University (MBA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Air Force (Reserves) |
| Years of service | 1963–1969 |
Henry John Heinz III (October 23, 1938 – April 4, 1991) was an American businessman and politician who served as a United States senator from Pennsylvania from 1977 until his death in 1991. An heir to the Heinz family fortune, Heinz entered politics in 1971 when he won a special election to replace Robert Corbett to represent Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district. In 1976, Heinz ran to replace retiring Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott. Heinz narrowly won in the Republican primary over future Senator Arlen Specter, and defeated William Green III in the general election. Heinz won re-election in 1982 and 1988 by large margins. On April 4, 1991, Heinz was killed when his plane, facing mechanical problems, collided with a helicopter inspecting the plane, killing all involved in the crash.