[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 28 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF PATRICK O'KEEFFE, A DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN NAMED IRISHMAN 
                              OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
distinguished gentleman, Patrick O'Keeffe, who was named Irishmen of 
the Year by the Jersey City St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. He will 
be honored at the committee's annual dinner dance on March 7, 1997 to 
be held at the Quality Inn in Jersey City.
  Friday's festivities will celebrate the many contributions Mr. 
O'Keeffe has made to his family, community and his fellow Irish-
Americans. His journey began in County Clare, Ireland where he was born 
on March 7, 1926. In his beloved native Ireland, Mr. O'Keeffe received 
his early education in a one-room schoolhouse. Later, his learning 
would continue under the direction of the Christian Brothers.
  In 1957, the American leg of Mr. O'Keeffe's journey began when he 
immigrated to the United States, where he settled in what is now my 
district in Jersey City. Subsequently, Mr. O'Keeffe would marry and 
become the proud father of eight children: Michael, Margaret, Patrick, 
Brian, Sean, Noreen, Nuala, and Brendan. Mr. O'Keeffe has instilled a 
love of Irish music, dance, and literature in each of his children. 
They have come to exemplify Mr. O'Keeffe's motto: ``It's nice to be 
important, but it's more important to be nice.''
  In addition to his devotion for his family, Mr. O'Keeffe has 
exhibited an unwavering commitment to fellow community members as well 
as all Irish-Americans. Although he is an American citizen, Mr. 
O'Keeffe's heart will always take him back to his roots on the Emerald 
Isle. For many years, he has been working toward a united Ireland. 
Toward this goal, Mr. O'Keeffe has joined a number of organizations, 
including the United Irish Counties Club of Hudson County, the Irish 
Immigration Reform Movement, and the Irish American Unity Conference.
  It is an honor to have such an outstanding and caring individual 
living in my district. Patrick O'Keeffe is a true community leader. I 
am certain my colleagues will join me in honoring him.

                          ____________________