[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN MEMORY OF ``DR. JOHN'' ELEFTERAKIS, M.D.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 1997

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, with a heavy heart, to ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Dr. John Elefterakis, a 
father, friend, and healer.
  ``Dr. John,'' as he was known to family, friends, and patients, was 
much too young when he was taken from our midst. However, I do not wish 
to stand here today and be sad for his passing; instead I would like to 
celebrate a life so richly lived and shared with others.
  Dr. John came from humble beginnings, a son of immigrants, he quickly 
learned to work hard for a good life. He excelled in school, played 
sports and participated in a variety of clubs and other extracurricular 
activities in his academic days. As always, Dr. John quickly rose to 
the top.
  Following his interest in science, he attended City College Center 
for Biomedical Education. He later went on to New York Medical School 
in Valhalla and graduated in 1982. He completed his rotations in local 
hospitals such as Lincoln, St. Vincent's, Metropolitan, Cabrini, and 
Lenox Hill. That next year he was accepted into the Lutheran Medical 
Center, completed his internship and became a permanent resident 
physician. Five years later, he opened his own medical offices, the 
Gerritsen Beach Medical Plaza on Gerritsen Avenue.
  His commitment to the well-being of others extended well beyond the 
examination room. He was known to have generously donated of his time 
and his services to school football teams, religious groups, and scout 
troops; he worked with youngsters through the DARE organization. For 12 
years he was the medical director of the Gerritsen Beach Volunteer Fire 
Department. And, he had a healthy passion for the Knicks which he 
shared with many of his patients.
  He was the classic small-town doctor, who still made house calls. To 
borrow the words of another, he was a caring, straight forward, and 
down-to-earth individual. He knew the importance of a few kind words, a 
tender touch, and loving understanding. Sometimes that was all that was 
needed.
  I ask my colleagues to join me today to posthumously honor Dr. John 
for living a rich, rewarding, and full life. For his generosity and 
bedside manner made him a favored son in the community. I, too, will 
miss you, Dr. John; thank you for showing us how to make use of our 
time here on earth wisely. Your legacy will live on in the hearts and 
minds of those fortunate individuals who had the chance to know you.

                          ____________________