[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E23]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE MEMORY OF PERRY B. DURYEA, JR., FORMER SPEAKER OF THE NEW 
                          YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2004

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Perry B. 
Duryea, Jr., the former Speaker of the New York State Assembly and a 
lifelong resident of New York's First Congressional District, who 
tragically lost his life last week after having sustained injuries from 
an auto accident near his Montauk home. Mr. Duryea was an outstanding 
public servant, successful businessman, and World War II veteran who 
dutifully served the people of Long Island and the State of New York 
with distinction for more than four decades.
  Perry Duryea began what would become a legendary state political 
career in his hometown of Montauk, New York, having served as a member 
of the Montauk Public Board of Education and as president of the Long 
Island State Park Commission. He was first elected to represent the 
First Assembly District of the New York State Legislature in 1960, and 
remained a member of the body until 1978. During his time in the 
legislature, Mr. Duryea held the post of Minority Leader for 6 years 
and Speaker of the Assembly for 4 years. Although he was a leader of 
the Republican party's conservative wing, Mr. Duryea was known for his 
pragmatic bipartisanship, as he forged strong relationships with 
members from across the aisle and often supported legislative measures 
that were unpopular within his own party. Among his most noteworthy 
achievements was legislation that he initiated and passed to expand the 
state parks and the state university system. He also championed 
construction of the Long Island Expressway and the Sunrise Highway 
extension, and worked hard to promote environmental protection 
measures. Those who knew Perry Duryea remember him as an extraordinary 
leader who elevated the status of the New York legislature.
  A prominent businessman within his Montauk community, Mr. Duryea also 
devoted much of his time to various community and civic endeavors which 
improved the lives of Long Island residents. Born and raised in Montauk 
New York, Perry Duryea took over the family wholesale seafood business, 
Perry Duryea & Son, after completing his service as a plane commander 
with the United States Naval Transport Service during World War II. 
After leaving politics following an unsuccessful bid for the 
governorship in 1978, Mr. Duryea returned to running his business and 
volunteering his time with numerous public and civic organizations, 
including Long Island Commercial Bank, where he served as Chairman of 
the Board.
  In recognition of his many contributions and achievements, Mr. Duryea 
received numerous honors, including the distinction of ``Man of the 
Year'' by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, and the naming of a state 
office building after him. Mr. Duryea is survived by his wife, Marie 
Therese Duryea, and two children--Lynne Duryea and Perry ``Chip'' 
Duryea III.

  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in honoring the memory of Perry B. Duryea, Jr. Throughout his 
exemplary career in public service, Mr. Duryea enhanced the quality of 
life for residents of Long Island and the State of New York. The spirit 
of bipartisanship with which he conducted his public life garnered him 
the respect of his peers and served to inspire future generations of 
community leaders. Mr. Duryea's leadership and strength of character 
are qualities each of us should aspire to embrace as we carry out our 
duties in this distinguished body.

                          ____________________