[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 148 (Wednesday, November 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         TRIBUTE TO PAUL O'DWYER

                                 ______


                         HON. THOMAS J. MANTON

                              of New York

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Paul 
O'Dwyer. He illustrates the qualities we all look for in a leader. He 
has been recognized throughout the country as an accomplished attorney, 
writer, politician and, most importantly, a defender of civil rights.
  Born in County Mayo, Ireland, Paul O'Dwyer was the 11th child of 
rural school teachers. He came to New York at the age of 18 where he 
attended Fordham University and St. John's Law School. His family has 
been a very important part of Mr. O'Dwyer's life. He married the late 
Kathleen Rohan in 1935 and has four lovely children: William, Eileen, 
Brian, and Rory. The unfortunate and tragic death of his wife Kathleen 
in 1980 ended a wonderful marriage of 45 years. In 1984, he remarried 
to Patricia Hanrahan.
  Mr. Speaker, Paul O'Dwyer and the late Oscar Bernstein started the 
law firm of O'Dwyer & Bernstein in 1935. This firm, located at 52 Duane 
Street in New York City, is engaged in the general practice of the law 
with emphasis on litigation in all State and Federal courts. The firm 
has represented some of the city's most prestigious writers and 
artists.
  For many years, Paul O'Dwyer has held great interest in the 
Democratic Party. In 1958, he helped form the Committee for Democratic 
Voters with Eleanor Roosevelt and Senator Herbert H. Lehman. During the 
Presidential campaign of 1960, O'Dwyer was cochairman of the Committee 
for the Kennedy-Johnson ticket. President Kennedy then appointed him as 
chairman of the Medicare campaign in New York City in 1962. These are 
just a few instances where O'Dwyer has been an important key in the 
development and growth of the Democratic Party starting with the 
Roosevelt administration and continues today with the Clinton 
administration.
  Mr. Speaker, Paul O'Dwyer has had a great impact on the civil rights 
movement throughout the world including the Middle East, the Caribbean, 
South America, Asia, Europe, and Russia. He continues today by working 
for the reunification of Ireland. In the United States, Mr. O'Dwyer was 
a strong and active supporter of the civil rights movement. By 
contributing his legal expertise, Mr. O'Dwyer became a hero to many 
individuals who looked to him for quality legal representation that 
they might not have received otherwise. As a former practicing attorney 
and strong supporter of the civil rights movement, I applaud him on his 
leadership experiences.
  Mr. Speaker, I recently had the pleasure to pay my respects to Paul 
O'Dwyer at a dinner held by his family. In addition, I have written a 
letter on his behalf to President Clinton encouraging the President to 
choose Paul O'Dwyer as a recipient of the coveted President Medal of 
Freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, Paul O'Dwyer illustrates a true leader. I know my 
colleagues join me in congratulating Paul O'Dwyer for a lifetime of 
leadership in our world, country, and his community.

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