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Constantine "Gus" Yatron (October 16, 1927 - March 13, 2003) was an American politician who was a member of the United States House of Representatives. A member of the Democratic Party, Yatron represented the 6th congressional district of Pennsylvania for twelve terms, from 1969 until his retirement in 1993.

Early Life & Education

Gus Yatron was born in Reading, PA, to George H. and Theano Lazo Yatron, working-class Greek immigrants from the Greek island of Lesbos. His father, George, was the owner of a local ice cream business, 'Yatron Ice Cream,' and his mother, Theano, worked as a maid. Yatron graduated from Reading High School, serving as Class President during his senior year. Following high school, Yatron received his bachelor’s degree at Kutztown University in Kutztown, PA in 1950, where he also met his wife to be, Mildred L. Yatron. While attending Kutztown University, Yatron played college football for the Golden Bears, and was later inducted into the Kutztown University Athletic Hall of Fame. During his college years, he also took up boxing, eventually becoming a professional boxer in heavyweight division. After graduating from college, Yatron inherited his father's business, 'Yatron Ice Cream,' and built it into a local success in Reading, Pa, eventually expanding the business with an additional hardware store. In 1968, Yatron sold 'Yatron Ice Cream' to a local competitor, and began to focus on his career in political public service.

Political Career

Yatron started his career in public service as a member of the Reading School Board from 1955–1961. In 1956, Yatron was elected as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives until 1960. He then ran, and was elected as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1960 to 1968. In 1969, Yatron was elected as a Democrat to the 91st United States Congress, representing the 6th congressional district of Pennsylvania, and served until his retirement in 1993.

Committee assignments

• United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs

(Chairman)

• Joint Committee on Taxation (Vice Chair)

Post-Political Career

Sources

• United States Congress. "Gus Yatron (id: Y000014)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

• 1927 births
• 2003 deaths
• Members of the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania
• Pennsylvania State Senators
• Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
• Pennsylvania Democrats
• Greek Americans
• Greek American politicians
• School board members in the United States
• Kutztown University of Pennsylvania alumni