[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 21, 1994]



                 NEW YORK CITY LOSES A WONDERFUL VOICE

                                 ______


                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 1994

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, generally when we take the floor, it is to 
bring to our colleagues' attention a noteworthy event or an individual 
accomplishment within our districts. Unfortunately, today I bring to my 
colleagues' attention a great loss suffered by my district and by New 
York City as a whole: the untimely death of Richard Irizarry at the age 
of 38.
  Every so often, we have the opportunity to meet someone whom we 
instantly know is special, who seems destined to change the lives of 
those who meet him. Richard was such a man.
  When I first met Richard, he was already an accomplished playwright, 
one of the brightest new voices in New York theater. His first play, 
``Ariano,'' received sparkling reviews, and in fact won the National 
Drama Award of Puerto Rico. And his most recent play, ``Newyorico'' is 
under development by the prestigious Joseph Papp Public Theater.
  But although I knew of his theatrical endeavors, it was through his 
public service that I first made his acquaintance and became his 
friend. Richard was a top community aide for Manhattan Borough 
president Ruth Messinger. He brought a sensitivity and commitment that 
one rarely encounters in the corridors of government. Whether it was 
increasing funding for the education of children with disabilities, or 
improving AIDS services in El Barrio, Richard was a powerful voice for 
change in our communities.
  Richard always seemed to have time for any person or any organization 
that needed his help. This is nowhere reflected better than in the 
number of organizations on whose boards he served: Latino Gay Men of 
New York, the Hispanic AIDS Forum, and Gay Men of African Descent.
  While Richard's life is paean of hope and optimism, his death from 
AIDS-related complications is a warning, as if we needed another. The 
scourage of AIDS claims too many Richard Irizarrys. Too many of our 
leaders--present and future--have succumbed to a disease that remains 
shrouded in mystery, ignorance, and bigotry.
  There's a line from Mark Twain that keeps repeating in my head: ``Let 
us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker 
will be sorry.''
  Mr. Speaker, the undertaker is weeping in New York City today.

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