The Ayrault Road Post Office in Fairport was renamed on Monday after the late Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and her husband Robert “Bob” Slaughter.
Louise (1929-2018) and Robert “Bob” Slaughter (1931-2014) made Fairport home for over fifty years. Their unconditional support for one another led Louise to achieve groundbreaking accomplishments for women’s service in politics. The Slaughter’s were not only dedicated to the best interests of the Fairport community but the Greater Rochester area and western New York as well.
Earning a master’s degree in public health from the University of Kentucky, Louise Slaughter embarked on an unprecedented life in American politics. With concerns of local political and community issues, Louise would eventually seek public office and win election to the Monroe County Legislature in 1975. She would go on to serve on the NYS Assembly and then be elected to Congress in 1986. Representative Slaughter won re-election to 16 consecutive terms, honorably serving western New York for over 30 years.
Louise was a founding member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus and established the Office of Research on Women’s Health. Representative Slaughter was also the first woman to serve as Chair of the House Committee on Rules. She always fought respectfully, avidly, and with vigor for her beliefs and constituents.
Bob was Louise’s rock and her most prized supporter. He served in the U.S. Air Force and worked for both Eastman Kodak and the American Can Company. A loving husband, father, and grandfather whose smile was unprecedented, he always helped and taught others while greatly enjoying woodworking and gardening. When Bob married Louise in 1957, he forever stood by her side with love and support as she navigated her groundbreaking political journey.
