[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 1 (Monday, January 24, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E4-E5]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH MADZELONKA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 24, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joseph 
Madzelonka for his lifelong dedication to working people. Joe, retired 
president of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 880, passed 
away earlier this month at the age of 67. He was a great man and an 
extraordinary leader.
  Joe began his life in the labor industry at the age of 17, when he 
started working as a bagger at an A&P grocery store. Soon after, he was 
elected a steward, and eventually a business representative for the 
union. Joe was an international vice president of his union and

[[Page E5]]

a vice president of the Ohio AFL-CIO and the Cleveland Federation of 
Labor. Finally, in 1977, Joe became head of the Local 880. He spent his 
13 years as president fighting for improving health care and pension 
benefits. The members of Local 880 speak extremely highly of Joe's 
years as president and remember him as an individual who worked for the 
union through some very tough issues and difficult times.
  Joe also had a great commitment to his family and friends. When he 
finally retired in 1990, Joe was elated to be able to spend some time 
with his wife, Mary, and his four children. He spent much of his time 
babysitting his adorable and loving grandchildren. Joe was also able to 
relax in his final years by spending more time with his numerous 
friends on the golf course.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in saluting a leader, an 
organizer, and a good man for his contributions to the labor movement 
and for the inspirations he instilled in us all.

                          ____________________