[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E54-E55]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN APPRECIATION OF ROBERT D. BLONDI

                                 ______


                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 23, 1996

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Robert D. Blondi 
of Benton, IL. He has touched the lives of those in his community 
through his dedicated service as a businessman, supporter of the 
Democratic Party and football referee. Due to ill health he has 
recently left his position with the Community Building Service, and I 
join his many friends there in extending my thanks and best wishes for 
his tireless efforts.
  Mr. Blondi was born on August 3, 1922. Beginning his career with 
Immediate Cleaners, 

[[Page E55]]
he went on to own and operate the Chester City Dairy Store as well as 
handle the insurance needs of the citizenry as an agent for Prudential. 
He has contributed his leadership abilities to numerous organizations, 
including the Benton Methodist Church, Elks Lodge, and Lions Club. A 
loyal Democrat, his support of party activities has never wavered.
  Despite this record of achievement, he is perhaps best known for his 
skill and longevity as a high school and college football referee. 
Calling his first game in 1942, Mr. Blondi blew his whistle for 46 
years, well into his sixth decade. Thus he began a distinguished legacy 
of Blondi officials. His son Bobby, Jr. put on the striped shirt for 
the first time in 1968, and the two worked in tandem for 20 years. And 
this year, Mr. Blondi's grandson Robby has joined his father, becoming 
the third generation of Blondi referees. This record of community 
service is a testimony to the generosity of self that has come to 
define the entire Blondi family.
  Mr. Speaker, in sports it is often said that the good official is the 
one that is never noticed. In this case, however, such anonymity will 
not do. Robert Blondi has given much to the people of Benton. His 
example is one that we can all look to with pride, and do our best to 
emulate. It is a privilege to represent him in the U.S. Congress.

                          ____________________