LOMBARDINO, FRANK JOSEPH (1929 ~ 1992). The following is a biography for former Texas Senator Frank Lombardino. The biography was written by University of Texas at San Antonio scholars.
Frank Lombardino (1929-1992), conservative Democrat and the self-proclaimed “father of the University of Texas at San Antonio,” served in the Texas State House of Representatives from 1967-1975 and in the Texas State Senate from 1975-1979.
The Long Island, NY, native first came to Texas in 1945 when he was stationed at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls while serving in the Army Air Force. Later, he was transferred to Gary AFB near San Marcos. After his military service, he worked for the San Antonio Police Department as a patrolman and later as a detective.
Lombardino was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1966, serving District 26 (north and west Bexar County). As a legislator, Lombardino is best known for supporting legislation with firemen and policemen as a special interest group, initiating the legislation that led to the creation of the San Antonio State School (a facility for the mentally retarded) and establishing the University of Texas at San Antonio. When Governor Preston Smith signed the bill that made UTSA an official institution, he did so using Lombardino’s back as a platform (June 5, 1969).
Lombardino lost the race for Senator in 1978 and returned to the private sector. He became a successful San Antonio businessman, owning and managing the San Antonio Creditors’ Association, Austin Creditors’ Association and Checkstop. He passed away on September 23, 1992.
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