Stephen C. MacNett, 71, of Mechanicsburg, died on September 18, 2018.
A prominent Pennsylvania political figure, Steve devoted his 44-year legal career to working in the Senate of Pennsylvania. Possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of the legislature, legal cases, and historical milestones, Steve was widely regarded as the Commonwealth's constant and unelected "51st senator." He was a trusted friend and advisor to prominent figures of both political parties.
Steve began working in the Senate as a legislative page while an undergraduate student at Dickinson College and continued as a part-time Senate employee while a student at Dickinson School of Law. Upon his law school graduation in 1971, Steve joined the Senate Republican legal staff. He became General Counsel for the Senate Republican caucus in 1977, a role he held until his retirement in 2011.
A prominent Pennsylvania political figure, Steve devoted his 44-year legal career to working in the Senate of Pennsylvania. Possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of the legislature, legal cases, and historical milestones, Steve was widely regarded as the Commonwealth's constant and unelected "51st senator." He was a trusted friend and advisor to prominent figures of both political parties.
Steve began working in the Senate as a legislative page while an undergraduate student at Dickinson College and continued as a part-time Senate employee while a student at Dickinson School of Law. Upon his law school graduation in 1971, Steve joined the Senate Republican legal staff. He became General Counsel for the Senate Republican caucus in 1977, a role he held until his retirement in 2011.
Steve's devotion to the wellbeing of the Pennsylvanians was unwavering. At the time of his retirement, one Harrisburg newspaper wrote that Steve left the Senate as "one of the most influential people in state government" having been "at the center of nearly all the important legislation passed by the General Assembly" and "likely had more impact on the lives of Pennsylvanians than any other."
Journalist Albert J. Neri once wrote that "anyone who has spent time walking the halls of the state Capitol has heard the name, Steve MacNett, spoken with mixtures of reverence, respect, and fear."
Steve was born in Troy, Pennsylvania on September 28, 1946, a son of the late Stephen D. and Hulda B. MacNett. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, daughters Colleen and Pamela MacNett, stepdaughters Catharine and Abigail Thurston, and sisters Diana and Jane MacNett.
Funeral services are private. A public memorial service to celebrate Steve's life will be held at a future date; details will be available and an online guestbook can be found at www.cocklinfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Steve's memory to Dickinson College at: Dickinson College, Office of College Advancement, P.O. Box 1773, Carlisle, PA 17013. www.pennlive.com/obits
Journalist Albert J. Neri once wrote that "anyone who has spent time walking the halls of the state Capitol has heard the name, Steve MacNett, spoken with mixtures of reverence, respect, and fear."
Steve was born in Troy, Pennsylvania on September 28, 1946, a son of the late Stephen D. and Hulda B. MacNett. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, daughters Colleen and Pamela MacNett, stepdaughters Catharine and Abigail Thurston, and sisters Diana and Jane MacNett.
Funeral services are private. A public memorial service to celebrate Steve's life will be held at a future date; details will be available and an online guestbook can be found at www.cocklinfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Steve's memory to Dickinson College at: Dickinson College, Office of College Advancement, P.O. Box 1773, Carlisle, PA 17013. www.pennlive.com/obits
