[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO FATHER JOHN GLAROS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Father John Glaros, 
a valued member of the community in Florida's ninth district, who 
passed away June 22, 2002. Father Glaros had a lifelong history of 
service to his community and country by fulfilling religious and 
government roles alike.
  Father Glaros was born in 1920 in Plant City, Florida, although he 
was raised and educated in Greece for the first eighteen years of his 
life. He returned to America to enlist in the U.S. Army where he was 
trained in special operations and served as a member of the Office of 
Strategic Services in World War II.
  After his honorable discharge, he returned to Plant city where he 
owned and operated the Dixie Restaurant. In the late 1950's, he became 
a Plant City commissioner and was subsequently elected Plant City 
mayor. Dedicated to remain active in his community, Father Glaros sat 
on the Hillsborough County Commission from 1967 to 1971.
  He began his commitment to the Greek Orthodox Church in 1976 when he 
was ordained as a priest. For twenty-one years he assisted churches in 
the Winter Haven, Naples, and Port Charlotte communities on an as-
needed basis until his retirement. He will be remembered for his 
devotion and the tireless effort he contributed to these communities.
  Father Glaros was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Cribbs 
Glaros. He leaves two sons, Steve and Jim of Jacksonville and Plant 
City, respectively; one daughter, Linda Konstantinidis of Clearwater, 
six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to the life of Father John Glaros and 
thank him for the contributions he made. I give my condolences to his 
family. Father Glaros will be sadly missed throughout our community but 
will be fondly remembered.

                          ____________________