[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 150 (Tuesday, November 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO THOMAS J. KELLY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 19, 2002

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 
accomplishments of my friend and brother in the labor movement, Mr. 
Thomas J. Kelly. Mr. Kelly has been honored by our fellow 
Philadelphians for his unyielding role as a driving force within 
Philadelphia's powerful labor movement for over a quarter of a century.
  As a prime example of successful labor leadership that exemplifies 
this ``Union Town'', he has served as President and Business Manager of 
Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union 19 from 1979 to 2002. He recently 
accepted an appointment to serve as the General Secretary-Treasurer of 
the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association in Washington, D.C.
  Mr. Kelly began his apprenticeship with Local 19 in 1965 at the age 
of 19. He went on to become a business agent and finally was elected to 
Local 19's top position which he has held for eight consecutive terms. 
Under his stewardship, union membership has grown to over 4,000, 
development has increased with the construction of the multi-million 
dollar Administrative Building, the adjacent state-of-the-art Training 
Center, and the highly successful Penn's Landing Caterers, and Mr. 
Kelly was instrumental in negotiations for a historic gambling casino 
enterprise.
  He has been recognized for many achievements and held numerous union 
leadership roles; however, he cherishes most the plaque received from 
Local 19's rank and file membership, which cites him ``. . . for 
leading the Union with Courage, Wisdom, and Tenacity.''
  Married to Linda, Tom's family includes his three children, Susan 
Tympel, Thomas Jr., and Kathleen and one grandchild, Lauren Tympel. I 
am quite sure Tom's entire family is very proud of his numerous 
accomplishments.
  It is a privilege to recognize a person whose leadership and 
commitment to community has enriched the lives of countless 
individuals. I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me 
in commending Mr. Kelly for his lifetime of service and dedication to 
Pennsylvania's First Congressional District.

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