[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 156 (Saturday, November 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH WLODARZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 1997

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a man in my 
district who embodied the spirit of America. Joseph Wlodarz died to 
this life on August 5, 1997 at the age of 85 years.
  Joseph ``Fudgie'' Wlodarz came to East Toledo when he was 13 years 
old. An all-city football player at Toledo's Central Catholic High 
School, Joe went on to play with local semi-professional teams, the 
Jack Frost Sugars, the Vargo Coals, and the Birmingham Ads. In addition 
to his passion for football, Joe also played basketball, baseball, and 
softball. He passed on his passion and his skill to hundreds of 
youngsters at Holy Rosary Church and School, where he coached children 
in these sports for 60 years. His son noted at his passing, ``He just 
loved to coach kids.'' Wlodarz Field at Ravine Park in East Toledo 
bears his name, a testament to his love of sport.
  Joseph Wlodarz worked for 27 years at the former Unitcast Corp. in 
Toledo, where he left his mark as well. While at Unitcast, he organized 
UAW Local 48, and served many times as the union's president. He also 
worked as the labor-management coordinator.
  Dubbed ``The Mayor of Birmingham''--(the close-knit Hungarian 
neighborhood of East Toledo in which he lived--Joe took an active 
interest in the neighborhood's community and civic affairs, although he 
never held an elected office. He was a founder of the Birmingham Hall 
of Fame, helped organize the 20th Ward Democratic Club, was a member of 
the East Side Recreation Board, served on the city of Toledo advisory 
panel for parks and recreation, and labored to establish the East 
Toledo Family Center where he also served on the board.
  Joseph ``Fudgie'' Wlodarz' life is perhaps best summed up in his 
eldest son's tribute to him, which is a most fitting epitaph, ``He was 
never too concerned about making much money. He was always for his 
community and neighborhood, union, and helping people.''
  Our heartfelt sympathy to Joe's wife Garnet, his sons James, Jack, 
Joseph, Jr., and Steve, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We 
mourn your loss, but trust you will find comfort in his memory and the 
legacy of a life truly well spent and devoted to others.

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