[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 79 (Friday, June 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN MEMORY OF ISTVAN ESZTERHAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 8, 2001

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. 
Istvan ``Stephen'' Eszterhas, a renowed Hungarian novelist, retired 
editor, and friend.
  Mr. Eszterhas, originally from the Kispest section of Budapest, began 
his writing career very early in life. At age 16 he was already a 
published author and by age 30 he had written his first novel, a memoir 
about growing up during World War II. He penned six more books before 
coming to the United States in 1950. His works focused on his ethnicity 
and cultural heritage, and have been internationally recognized. In 
1958 his manuscript ``Rest Easy, Comrade,'' won a literary contest 
sponsored by Rome's Anonimus Foundation. Mr. Eszterhas' last work was a 
collection of poetry that was published in 1998. His beautifully-
crafted compilation of poems has touched thousands of people.
  Eszterhas, in addition to holding a law degree from the University of 
Budapest, was editor of Catholic Hungarians' Sunday when it was the 
only Hungarian newspaper in the country. He retired in 1978, but never 
stopped writing.
  His deep faith and commitment to his heritage led him to the Danubian 
Cultural Institute and St. Stephen's Dramatic Club. Also, he served 
selflessly as the national president of the Committee for Hungarian 
Liberation. His involvement and dedication to the world community will 
be remembered by many people for years to come.
  Mr. Eszterhas is survived by his son, Joe, and six grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the memory of a wonderful, 
caring man. Mr. Eszterhas served Cleveland and his country in many 
capacities, and was an inspiration to many. He has touched so many of 
us, and will be greatly missed.