[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MATTHEW R. DUKSA, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2003

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay 
tribute to Matthew R. Duksa, Sr. of Newington, Connecticut who died 
November 28, 2002 at the age of 80. Mr. Duksa was a longtime business 
owner in the First Congressional District and a valued member of the 
community.
  Matt will long be remembered for his commitment to his business and 
community. He created the Borawski-Duksa funeral home in New Britain in 
1949 and the Newington Memorial Funeral Home in Newington in 1952. He 
was president of both until his death, and held memberships in the 
Connecticut and National Funeral Director's Associations.
  Throughout his life, Matt was intensely devoted to his family, to 
Connecticut, and to his country. He was a Newington volunteer 
firefighter for sixteen years, was director of the Newington volunteer 
ambulance, a member of Polish Businessmen and Falcons Nest #88, as well 
as a 3rd and 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3884 
in Newington.
  Those who knew Matt, knew him for his integrity, contagious sense of 
humor, endless curiosity, love of life, and twinkling blue eyes. He 
will be remembered as respectful of his staff, putting the needs of 
others before himself, always doing his best, living life to its 
fullest, and showing love continuously. Matthew Duska will be greatly 
missed by his friends, family, and his community and I ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring his life.

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