[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 13, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING ROBERT LEENEY ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______


                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 13, 1996

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on May 10, 1996, Mr. Robert Leeney will 
celebrate his 80th birthday. He is being honored by the board of 
Albertus Magnus College on March 14, 1996. It is with great pleasure 
that I rise today to salute this incredible individual, who has 
contributed so much to the city of New Haven.
  Bob retired in 1981 as editor of the New Haven Register after a 50-
year career with the paper including 11 years as executive editor and 9 
years as editor. He had been awarded the New England Associated Press 
News Editor Yankee Quill Award for excellence in writing. His long 
tenure at the paper is distinguished by extensive community 
involvement. Bob grew up in the Fair Haven area and remained devoted to 
the improvement of the New Haven area throughout his career. In 
September 1994, Bob was awarded the New Haven Colony Historical Society 
Seal of the City Award. The seal is awarded to those whose ideas or 
activities contributed to the quality of life, prosperity, or 
improvement of the New Haven region. He has also received the Trinity 
Council Knights of Columbus Community Service Award and the Chamber of 
Commerce Community Service Award, which is their highest honor.
  Bob's early career in newspaper began as a theatre critic and he 
frequently reviewed plays at the Shubert Theatre. He was a member of 
the Drama Critics Outer Circle. He maintained his interest in theatre 
throughout his life and served on the board of Long Wharf Theatre. His 
service on the boards of local hospitals and colleges serves as a 
testament to his interest in and concern for all aspects of New Haven 
life. After his retirement, Bob served on the State Freedom of 
Information Commission.
  Finally, Bob continues to write for the New Haven Register with a 
weekly column entitled ``Editor's Note.'' It is here that he continues 
to contribute his ideas and thoughts on a range of issues from his 
boyhood memories of New Haven to recent world events. He remains one of 
the most prominent representatives of the New Haven Register and an 
important link between the city's past and present. I wish Bob a very 
happy 80th birthday and it is my deepest hope that we will have the 
benefit of his wisdom and kindness for many more years to come.

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