[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 22 (Wednesday, March 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E332-E333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF DAVID J. O'REILLY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
David J. O'Reilly, devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and 
dedicated public servant. Mr. O'Reilly's commitment to the safety of 
Cleveland residents and concern for those less fortunate, defined his 
tenure of nearly two decades of outstanding public service as a police 
officer in Cleveland's 4th District.
  Mr. O'Reilly, a life-long Clevelander, graduated from Benedictine 
High School. Throughout his entire adult life, Mr. O'Reilly remained 
committed to the welfare of his Slavic Village neighborhood. 
Affectionately known as the ``Mayor of Fleet Avenue,'' Mr. O'Reilly was 
a role model to neighborhood kids, and was a friend to our most fragile 
citizens, our homeless. Mr. O'Reilly's bravery and strength as a

[[Page E333]]

police officer was equaled by his kind and generous heart. He 
consistently provided a hot meal or kind word to a person or family in 
need.
  Mr. O'Reilly treated everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of 
their social status. He was just as comfortable in sharing a 
conversation with an elected official as he was in sharing lunch with a 
homeless man. His expansive heart and concern for others extended 
beyond the 4th District. He volunteered throughout the community, 
teaching community safety to neighborhood groups, and he also held 
leadership positions on the boards of many community organizations, 
including the Holy Name Society, St. Michael Hospital Community Board, 
and the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, gratitude and 
remembrance of Mr. David J O'Reilly. As a police officer, Mr. O'Reilly 
dedicated his professional life to the safety of his officers, and the 
safety of the entire Slavic Village community. I extend my deepest 
condolences to his beloved wife, Denise; his beloved daughter, Rebecca; 
his beloved son, James; and also to his extended family and many 
friends. His courage and kindness will live on forever within the 
hearts and memories of his family, friends, and the public he so 
faithfully served.

                          ____________________