[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 54 (Monday, April 26, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF ROBERT O'TOOLE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 26, 2004

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a man whose 
professional life has been dedicated to improving the lives of working 
men and women in Massachusetts and across our nation.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my duty to inform the Membership of the house that 
my dear friend, Bob O'Toole is retiring from the post of Business 
Manager-Financial Secretary Treasurer of the Pipefitter's Local Union 
537 in Boston, Massachusetts.
  Mr. Speaker, Bob O'Toole is a remarkable leader with a long and 
illustrious career in the American Labor Movement. Bob started his 
career as a pipefitter over 37 years ago and his shining example of 
dedicated service to his union, his community and his family is worthy 
of Congressional recognition and deserving of the appreciation of his 
nation. He will he sorely missed by his union membership and their 
families who have benefited from Bob's ability to lead by example and 
quiet dignity. Bob's personal integrity, hard work and determination 
illustrate the best characteristics of those who serve the working men 
and women of this country.
  As a member of the Massachusetts State Legislature and Chair of its 
Commerce and Labor Committee, I witnessed Bob's tireless advocacy on 
behalf of working families. From securing benefits for workers who had 
lost their jobs, to training the next generation of America's workers, 
Bob has worked to ensure that the views and interests of working people 
are at the forefront of our state and national policy.
  Mr. Speaker, Bob O'Toole has also been a man committed to his 
community and has dedicated many hours and much energy to various 
charities including Julie's Place, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 
the Family Inn, the St. Francis House for the Homeless, the Special 
Olympics and the American Red Cross.
  And most importantly, Bob has had the enormous pleasure and 
tremendous good fortune to be married to his wife Marie for over 40 
years. Additionally, Bob has been blessed with three children, Terri, 
Bobby and Kathy, and is the proud and from what I hear doting 
grandfather to Timothy, Holly, Michael and Kyle.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the floor of the House 
today to join with Bob's family, friends, and brothers and sisters in 
the Labor Movement to thank him for his service and congratulate him on 
his much-deserved retirement. I hope my colleagues will join me in 
celebrating Bob O'Toole's distinguished career and all his future 
endeavors.

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