[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E493-E494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          HONORING PETER KELLY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2002

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peter Kelly, a 
proud veteran, a tireless civic leader, and above all, a loving family 
man. The Powhatan and Pocohontas Democratic Club of Queens will pay 
tribute to Mr. Kelly this coming Saturday, April 13th for his 
contributions to the organization and the entire community.
  A native New Yorker, Mr. Kelly was born in Manhattan, the middle 
child and only son of Peter and Catherine Kelly. At age four his family 
moved to the Bronx where he attended Our Lady of Refuge Grammar School 
and Evander Childs High School.
  Upon graduation, he went to work for the Daily News as a copy boy. He 
loved the outdoors and horses, which soon led him to work for trainer 
James Fitzsimmons as an exercise jockey. While he dreamed of life as a 
professional jockey, weight and world events prevented him from 
realizing his vision.
  Mr. Kelly enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 during the Korean War. He 
was sent to Radio

[[Page E494]]

Mechanic School at Scott Air Force Base in Bellville, Illinois. After 
graduation, he was assigned to Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, 
California where he spent the entire war fighting the battle of San 
Francisco. In 1955, he went to work for General Motors and worked his 
way up to Export Manager.
  In the summer of 1956, he was introduced by a mutual friend to his 
lovely wife of 45 years, Mary Anne, in Rockaway. They were married in 
June of 1957 and had three wonderful children, Peter, a Civil Court 
Judge, Anne Marie, a Democratic District Leader--and my talented 
District Chief of Staff--Carleen. They now have a loving daughter-in-
law Cathy, a terrific son-in-law Robert, and have been blessed with 
four beautiful grandchildren, Christian, Bobby, Brian, and Meghan.
  Mr. Kelly attended night school and graduated from Pace College in 
1963. When his wife Mary Anne was elected District Leader in 1970, he 
was drafted into the Powhatan Democratic Club where he served very 
effectively as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. He 
served in every capacity and performed every job associated with the 
organization. His dedication and untiring effort on behalf of the 
community and club earned him the respect of everyone who has ever 
known him.
  Since retiring in 1991, Mr. Kelly has been devoted to being a loving 
husband, father, and more importantly, a grandpa. He can be spotted at 
his grandchildren's games on a regular basis. Although he has faced a 
recent health setback, he still possesses a great sense of humor and is 
loved by all who know him.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to acknowledge, here on the floor, the 
lifetime of contributions Peter Kelly has made to his country, his 
community and his family.

                          ____________________