James H. Gildea of Coaldale, former U.S. congressman and publisher, yesterday was unanimously recommended to Gov. David Lawrence to fill the vacancy as superintendent of the Coaldale State General Hospital created by the death of William B. Sheerin on April 30.

The recommendation of the hospital’s board of trustees was immediately forwarded to Harrisburg for the governor’s approval.

Gildea has been a Democratic Party leader in Coaldale and Schuylkill County for many years, and until two years ago was the publisher of the Coaldale Observer.

He served two terms in the United States House of Representatives, from 1935-39.