[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E827-E828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ROBERT A. FORTINSKY HONORED

                                 ______


                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 1996

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my close 
personal friend Robert A. Fortinsky, who, on May 20, 1996, will receive 
the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Greater Wilkes-Barre 
Society of Fellows Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith. I am pleased 
to have been asked to participate in this event, and I take pride in 
honoring Bob on the House floor today.
  In 1913, the Anti-Defamation League of the B'nai B'rith was 
established to fight defamation based on religious, racial, and ethnic 
prejudices and to promote education, and a more mature understanding of 
all humankind. Bob Fortinsky has embraced the principles of the Anti-
Defamation League, and through his actions has become most deserving of 
the organization's Distinguished Community Service Award.
  Born in Wilkes-Barre in 1929, Bob experienced a traditional 
Northeastern Pennsylvanian upbringing with a strong commitment to 
academics. After graduating from Meyer's High School, he enrolled in 
Penn State university, but his education was interrupted in 1944 when 
he left college to serve his country in the U.S. Army.
  While in the Army, Bob's leadership qualities became evident to his 
superiors who promoted him to Second Lieutenant. Upon attaining this 
rank, Bob became the youngest second lieutenant in the Army Chemical 
Corps. Following his service to his country, Bob returned to Penn State 
where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry.
  Using the resources of leadership and a strong education, Bob 
established Fortune Fabrics, Inc. in 1949. Since that time he has 
established several other companies including Wyoming Weavers, Inc. in 
1975 and Jilj Enterprises, Inc. in 1983. Throughout all of his business 
dealings, he has always operated his businesses with adherence to the 
highest ethical standards and a commitment to producing the best 
quality products.
  Bob's leadership is not only evident in his business successes, but 
in the community organizations and clubs to which he lends his skills 
and time. In 1972 and 1984, Bob was Chairman of the United Jewish 
Appeal Campaign, and from 1973 to 1976 he served as the President of 
the Jewish Community Center of Wilkes-Barre. Bob was Co-Chairman of the 
Jewish Community Center's Endowment Fund, and in 1985 he became was 
Chairman of Israel Bonds. He also served as President of Temple Israel 
and later served as Chairman of the Board of Temple Israel. In 1988 he 
was honored by Wilkes University with the dedication of Fortinsky Hall.
  Today, Bob Fortinsky continues to be active in many community 
organizations and private clubs. He is a Director of the Luzerne 
National Bank, and a member of the International Textile Society. In 
addition to being a Trustee of Wilkes University, he is a member of the 
university's John Wilkes Society. He became a

[[Page E828]]

board member of the Fox Hill Country Club in 1996 after serving as 
President of the club during the previous year. Bob is also a member of 
the Wyoming Business Club and the King's College Century Club.
  Mr. Speaker, Bob Fortinsky is a truly exceptional businessman and an 
outstanding community leader. He and his wife, Shirley, are responsible 
for making so many significant contributions to the betterment mankind. 
I wish Bob and his family everlasting success and happiness.

                          ____________________