[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 17, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF THE LATE JOSEPH W. DORSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 1999

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Joseph W. Dorsey, an outstanding public servant and a close personal 
friend, who passed away March 15. Joe Dorsey was that rarest of 
individuals who always placed the interests of his community above his 
own.
  Joe served honorably in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and 
afterward returned to his hometown of Collingdale, Pennsylvania. He 
felt a strong duty to help maintain his town as a solid place to live, 
work and raise a family. From that time forward, Joe became a tireless 
worker for his community and the local Republican Party.
  He served as president of the Borough Council and as tax collector in 
Collingdale. From 1966-1972, he represented the 162nd district in the 
Pennsylvania House of Representatives. At that time he was elected 
Delaware County's Clerk of Courts, later becoming director of the new 
Office of Judicial Support. In each of these important positions, Joe 
exhibited strong leadership and he ably represented the interests of 
local citizens and taxpayers.
  Joe was equally committed in his service to the Republican Party. 
Beginning as a local committeeman, he rose to become chairman of the 
Collingdale Republican Party and leader of his legislative district. 
Three times he served as a delegate to the Republican National 
Convention. Joe's commitment to Republican ideals, and his ability to 
bring out the vote on election day, made him one of the most 
influential leaders in my Congressional district. In fact, he managed 
several of my Congressional campaigns, including my election to 
Congress in 1986. I counted heavily on Joe for his political acumen and 
his knowledge of grassroots political organizing.
  Joe's community service was varied, as well. He was a 40-year member 
of the Collingdale Fourth of July Association, a lifetime member of 
Collingdale Fire Company 1 and 2, and a member of the Collingdale VFW 
and American Legion. Joe owned an insurance business in his hometown, 
and he provided outstanding service to many of the municipalities and 
businesses in his area.
  To Joe Dorsey, community service wasn't an option. It was a 
responsibility, and it was an honor. Whenever his neighbors called upon 
him, Joe was always there. There aren't enough Joe Dorseys in our local 
communities anymore, and his presence will be greatly missed.
  I extend my deepest condolences to Joe's wife, Mae, to whom he was 
married for nearly 54 years, and to his daughter, Dorothy, who has 
served as my office manager since my election to Congress over 12 years 
ago. To them, Joe was a loving husband and devoted father. To me, he 
was a loyal friend and trusted advisor.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in a tribute to Joseph W. 
Dorsey for his selfless dedication to his community and his country.

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