[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 126 (Tuesday, September 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF MR. CHET OBLOCK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2001

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. 
Chester A. Oblock, owner of the infamous Pyramid Cafe and beloved 
friend, for a lifetime of dedicated service to his community.
  Mr. Oblock, a Cleveland native, has been a lifelong resident of the 
city's South Side. He is perhaps best known for the delicious meals he 
has been serving in the Pyramid Cafe since 1964. Three years later he 
began sponsoring the Pyramid Cafe slow-pitch softball team. The team 
grew and with practice became the first Cleveland team to win the 
Amateur Softball Association's National Men's Open Slow Pitch 
Tournament in 1975. In 1987, he was inducted into the Greater Cleveland 
Slow-Pitch Hall of Fame.
  Mr. Oblock was known by his friends for his great love and generosity 
to all his players, friends, and family. When the team traveled out of 
Cleveland, he took money out of his own pocket to pay for the families 
of the softball players to stay in hotel rooms. More important than any 
of his prized softball games was his family.
  Before sponsoring his prize-winning softball team, Mr. Oblock served 
his nation selflessly in military service. During World War II, he 
served in Europe with the Army's 104th Infantry Division, the 
``Timberwolves.''
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the memory of Mr. Chester A. 
Oblock, a truly great man. Mr. Oblock is a man who truly will be missed 
in the Cleveland community. His love for not only the game of softball, 
but for all his community is an inspiration to many. His warm smile and 
gentle spirit will be remembered by many.

                          ____________________