[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 28, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E66]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  MOURNING THE DEATH OF JOHN J. SEXTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illionis

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 28, 2004

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. Early this 
morning, the people of Chicago lost a great friend in John J. Sexton 
who passed away after a long and difficult illness. John Sexton was a 
man who lived life to its fullest, and the friends and family he had 
are a testament to the quality of his character and the type of man he 
was.
  John Sexton achieved his success in life through hard work and 
determination. He spent his life in public service and was dedicated to 
the people of Chicago, rising through the ranks with the City, from 
machinist, to foreman, to Assistant Superintendent of the Meter 
Division of the City's Water Department, and finally Superintendent of 
the Meter Division. His dedication to his job and the city he loved is 
an example of why Chicago is known as ``The City That Works.''
  But, it was John's connection to and involvement in his community 
that John's friends will remember. John loved the northwest side of 
Chicago, his home for his entire life. John raised his family in the 
Hiawatha Park neighborhood where he was very active as president of the 
Hiawatha Boys Baseball Organization.
  As church life plays such an important role in the lives of so many 
Chicagoans, John was a member of several esteemed Northwest side 
parishes. He grew up in Presentation Parish, attended grammar school at 
St. Angela's and high school at St. Michael's. As an adult he was a 
member of St. Francis Borgia Parish.
  The Northwest side has produced some of Chicago's finest leaders, and 
John Sexton played an active part in the success of many of their 
careers. John's passion for politics began at 16, working as a precinct 
worker for former Alderman Thomas Casey. As a precinct captain in the 
mighty 36th Ward Regular Democratic Organization, John became a close 
confidant and friend to many elected officials, especially Alderman 
William J.P. Banks and State Senator James A. DeLeo.
  John's top priority was always his family, and the love and support 
they provided him was the most important thing in his life. For 31 
years he was married to his wonderful wife, Rosetta. Their family also 
includes their daughter, Laurie Moran, and her husband Joseph, their 
son, John Jr., their daughter, Diana, and John's sister, Mary Kay 
Kuhter.
  Mr. Speaker, I join with the people of Chicago in mourning John 
Sexton, a man I was proud to call a friend. May God bless the Sexton 
family and the memory of a man who was truly loved by his friends, his 
community and his family.

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