Quick Facts
Biography
Sir Anthony Joseph Mamo, KUOM OBE QC (9 January 1909 – 1 May 2008) was the first President of Malta and previously served as the last Governor-General of the State of Malta before the country became a republic. He was also the first Maltese citizen to be appointed Governor-General, and before independence, briefly served as acting Governor.
Early life
Mamo was born in the town of Birkirkara, the son of Joseph Mamo and Carla Brincat. He was educated at the University of Malta where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1931 and his law degree in 1934. He was in private practice for a year before joining the civil service. He served as Crown Counsel from 1942 and later became attorney general.
Political career
Mamo was never involved directly in politics. He was appointed as Chief Justice of Malta in 1957 where he served until 1971 when he was appointed as the first Maltese Governor-General. He served in that position until 13 December 1974, when Malta was proclaimed a republic. He served as president from that date until he was succeeded by Anton Buttigieg on 27 December 1976.
Honours
National Honours
Malta : Companion of Honour of the National Order of Merit (06.04.90) by right as a former President of Malta
Commonwealth Honours
- Commonwealth of Nations :
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (1955),
- Knight Bachelor (1957)
Family
Mamo was married to Lady Margaret (née Agius) from 1939 until her death in 2002. They had three children; Josephine (married to Victor E. Tortell), Monica (married to George Pisani) and John (married to Tessa née' Scicluna).
Death
Mamo died on 1 May 2008 at the age of 99, at Casa Arkati Home for Elderly.