[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 167 (Wednesday, December 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE LATE JOHN T. O'CONNOR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2001

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember John T. O'Connor, 
a community activist and environmental advocate who passed away on 
November 30, 2001. A longtime resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 
John O'Connor fought for many important causes, from ending poverty to 
protecting our environment.
  He graduated from Clark University in 1978, beginning a career of 
public service and advocacy. After graduation, he joined the 
``Volunteers in Service to America'', an organization focused on 
eliminating poverty. He went on to found the National Toxics Campaign 
in 1983 and fought tirelessly for passage of the Superfund law.
  Mr. O'Connor never lost his commitment to preserving our environment 
and demonstrated this in a number of ways over the years. He served as 
Chairman of Gravestar, Inc--a development company that focused on 
environmentally sensitive real estate projects. In 1991, he founded 
Greenworks, a company that provides a wide range of services from 
office space, financial support and advice to environmental start-up 
companies.
  Mr. O'Connor paid tribute to his Irish roots by serving on the Irish 
Famine Memorial Committee. The Committee successfully raised the funds 
to construct a memorial in Cambridge and dedicated it in the presence 
of Mary Robinson, then President of Ireland.
  Many people have stories to tell about Mr. O'Connor's generosity and 
his spirit. He helped local young people by providing guidance, advice 
and even money for college tuition. By these actions, he no doubt 
changed the course of many young lives for the better.
  Mr. O'Connor made the world a better place in so many ways. He was 
generous with his time and his considerable talents, helping to further 
so many different causes, both large and small. He dedicated a 
significant amount of time and money to charitable organizations, 
making a tangible difference in the lives of so many.
  I came to know John O'Connor first as a local businessman, then as an 
opponent in the 1998 congressional race, and later as a friend. He 
touched many lives in his 46 years, including mine, and I am saddened 
by his passage. My thoughts and prayers are with John's wife, Carolyn 
Mugar, his family and his many friends during this difficult time.

                          ____________________