Peter Camiel

Career Camiel started his political career as a ward leader in Philadelphia. He became a millionaire running a wholesale beer distribution business.

He served as Chairman of the Philadelphia Democratic Party from 1969 to 1976, when he lost a power struggle with Mayor Frank Rizzo. Camiel had helped get Rizzo elected in 1971 but they became bitter rivals.

Camiel became leader of the 5th ward in Philadelphia, known as Center City, and served in that capacity for over 40 years.

Camiel was nominated to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission by Governor Milton Shapp in 1975. In 1980, he and three other defendants, including Vince Fumo and Thomas Nolan, were convicted of placing "ghost workers" on state payroll. The charges were thrown out in August 1981. He served on the commission until his death in 1991.

Peter J Camiel died of lung cancer on January 31, 1991, at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Legacy A rest area on the Pennsylvania Turnpike is named in his honor.