The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PETER A. REILLY” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E776 on May 6, 2010.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PETER A. REILLY
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HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Peter A. Reilly of Connecticut who passed away on April 26, 2010.
Peter Reilly, or the ``Commish'' as he was called to those who knew him best, was a giant in the Connecticut Labor Movement. Peter joined the Iron Workers Local #15 in 1951. After 12 years as a member, Peter took on the role of Business Agent in 1963 before retiring as the Financial Secretary-Treasurer and Business Manager after 35 years of tireless service. Peter always stood up for the little guy, and he never wavered in the fight to protect the interests of Connecticut's working men and women.
Peter was also a dedicated public servant. He was a member of the U.S. Army and Merchant Marines, and served our nation honorably during World War II. In his later years he served in a variety of posts on various state boards and committees during the administrations of Governors Dempsey, Meskill, Grasso and O'Neill, carrying his belief in fair wages and standards for the working men and women he cared so deeply about. He later served as Deputy Commissioner and then Commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Labor under Governor Ella Grasso. On a personal note, I had the privilege to meet Commissioner Reilly as a newly elected state representative in 1987 and he was extremely kind and helpful to me. I learned a lot from him and became his friend for life.
While his dedication to his union brothers and sisters was never far from his mind, it was Peter's family that defined his life. While long days on the job often kept him away from home, his beloved wife Ruby, who stood by him for 54 years, including on the day he passed, his son Ed and his daughters Marie and Ruby, were never far from his thoughts. He is survived by them and his sister Marge Stempkowski, as well as six grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, the working men and women of Connecticut have lost a great champion, and many like myself have lost a dear friend. I ask that all members join me in honoring the life and service of the
``Commish'', Peter A. Reilly.
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