Joseph A. McNamara | |
|---|---|
.jpg) From Volume 3 of 1940's The Lake Champlain and Lake George Valleys | |
| United States Attorney for Vermont | |
| In office 1933–1953 | |
| Appointed by | Franklin D. Roosevelt |
| Preceded by | Harry B. Amey |
| Succeeded by | Louis G. Whitcomb |
| President of the Vermont Bar Association | |
| In office 1941–1942 | |
| Preceded by | Horace H. Powers |
| Succeeded by | Deane C. Davis |
| Judge of the Burlington, Vermont Municipal Court | |
| In office 1921–1923 | |
| Preceded by | Henry B. Shaw |
| Succeeded by | Clarence P. Cowles |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 4, 1891 Fair Haven, Vermont |
| Died | March 25, 1972 (aged 79) Burlington, Vermont |
| Resting place | Resurrection Park Cemetery, South Burlington, Vermont |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Mary P. Magner (m. 1922) |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | College of the Holy Cross (BA) Harvard University (GrDip) |
| Occupation | Attorney Public official |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1918–1919 |
| Rank |  Sergeant |
| Unit |  Company D, 312th Supply Train, 87th Division |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
Joseph A. McNamara (August 4, 1892 - March 25, 1972) was a Vermont attorney and politician. A Democrat, he was most notable for his service as United States Attorney for Vermont from 1933 to 1953.
McNamara was a native of Fair Haven, Vermont, and attended the schools of Fair Haven. He graduated from College of the Holy Cross in 1915, studied law with a Vermont attorney, and attended Harvard Law School. Leaving law school early to enter the military for World War I, McNamara served in the United States Army and attained the rank of sergeant as a member of the 87th Division.
After leaving the Army, McNamara was admitted to the bar and began to practice law in Burlington, Vermont. He became active in politics as a Democrat, and served as Burlington's municipal court judge from 1921 to 1923. After unsuccessful runs for Vermont Attorney General and the U.S. House, in 1933 McNamara was named US Attorney for Vermont. He held the post through the administrations of Democrats Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman, and resigned after Republican Dwight Eisenhower became president.
After leaving the US Attorney's position, McNamara continued to practice law in Burlington. He died in Burlington on March 25, 1972, and was buried at Resurrection Park Cemetery in South Burlington, Vermont.