[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 151 (Wednesday, October 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2270]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO TOM HART

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 1998

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a legendary 
leader of my community. Tom Hart of Toledo, Ohio, died on the morning 
of August 25, 1998 at the age of 62 after waging a battle of courage 
and grace against cancer.
  A veteran, Tom was born and raised in Toledo, graduating from Central 
Catholic High School and the University of Toledo, and establishing a 
successful marketing and public relations firm in his hometown. As his 
business grew, he earned a solid reputation for his marketing 
expertise, his connection to the community, and his creativity. Tom 
Hart was, in fact, the mastermind behind many of the Toledo area's 
successful political ad campaigns. From 1967 through 1987, his ads were 
part of eleven mayoral election victories. Long-time Toledo Mayor and 
elder statesman Harry Kessler noted, ``He could put more in a 22 second 
commercial than any man I ever knew.'' His style in advertising became 
a fixture in our regional landscape, as Tom won many awards over the 
years for his creativity and achievement. His ads have become part of 
Northwest Ohio's political and financial history.
  Strongly committed to his community, Tom gave freely and often of his 
time and talents. He was frequently a gifted master of ceremonies for 
many community functions. One prominent businessman described, ``The 
guy was into giving back to the community. That was his ethic. He 
wasn't afraid to put his time and effort into helping people.''
  Feted as both a business and community leader, nonetheless family was 
first and foremost to Tom Hart. To his wife, Kathleen, his children 
Sheila, Mary Lynn, Michael, and Timothy, and nine grandchildren, he 
leaves a legacy of love and commitment. May their memories of this 
strong, self-willed, self-made man, devoted husband, father, and 
grandfather, shine through to sustain them.

                          ____________________