[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF JUDGE JOSEPH BATTLE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 13, 2001

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Judge Joseph Battle, Jr., a loyal public servant and a close 
personal friend, who passed away on March 11, 2001. Joseph Battle was a 
man who led by example and was a true bright spot in his hometown of 
Chester.
  The grandson of Irish immigrants and son of a roofer, Joseph Battle 
was a lifelong resident of the City of Chester. Joseph graduated from 
Notre Dame with honors and received his law degree in 1962 from the 
University of Pennsylvania, where he was the recipient of the 
prestigious American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence in Local 
Government.
  Joseph served his country bravely as an officer in the U.S. Army in 
Korea. Joseph's outstanding duty was recognized when he was awarded the 
Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.
  With strong academic record and proven service to his country, Joseph 
could have taken his life experiences anywhere he wanted to. However, 
Joseph returned home to the City of Chester where he continued to serve 
his community. In 1980, Joseph was elected Mayor of Chester, a position 
he held until 1986.
  An honest and caring man, Judge Battle had a joke and made everyone 
feel at ease. As Mayor of Chester, he helped clean up a city that was 
marred with a reputation of corruption. Today, Chester is undergoing a 
renaissance after years of hard times. Many of the improvements we see 
today can be traced back to changes he made two decades ago. Joe worked 
tirelessly to repair the name of the city he loved to serve.
  Joe did not stop there, he continued to serve his community and 
Delaware County. Joe ran for county sheriff in 1985 and won by a huge 
margin. He served in that office until 1987 when he was appointed to 
the Common Pleas Court port by the late Gov. Robert Casey.
  Judge Battle leaves us at the young age of 63. At the time of his 
passing, he was serving as the President Judge of Delaware County, a 
port he held with pride and honor.
  Joseph was a kind and compassionate man, he as also a man of his 
word. One example makes the point. As a young man, Joseph promised to 
take care of his mother, a promise that he kept long after the death of 
his father.
  This Weekend, My Congressional District lost a leader. The City of 
Chester lost a loyal champion. I lost a friend. Mr. Speaker, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in a tribute to Joseph Battle for his selfless 
dedication to his community and his country.

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