[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 79 (Wednesday, June 15, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ANTHONY ATHANAS

 Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, today I recognize and celebrate the 
life of a great American and a gracious host to all who crossed his 
threshold, Mr. Anthony Athanas. Everyone in Massachusetts, along with 
restaurateurs and past patrons across the country, was saddened to 
learn of his passing earlier this month.
  Today, however, I am honored to join with the countless people who 
were touched by his graciousness and charm in celebrating Anthony's 
unique American journey. Anthony Athanas came to the United States in 
1915 to pursue a dream and through hard work and perseverance, along 
with his instinctual hospitality and keen business sense; Anthony came 
to embody that dream.
  His entry into the world of restaurants was by way of working on 
lighting and the maintenance of stoves. With a rapidly growing love of 
the pace and hustle of the hospitality business, Anthony opened his 
first restaurant, ``Anthony of Hawthorn,'' in Lynn, MA, in 1937. This 
endeavor was quickly followed by four more restaurants; Hawthorne by 
the Sea, General Glover House, Anthony's Cummaquid Inn and Pier 4. Of 
the 5, Anthony's Pier 4, opened in 1963, would be his most famous and 
enduring.
  Anthony's Pier 4 became famous for serving quality New England 
seafood to visitors from all over the world and by the late-1960's 
Anthony's Pier 4 was the port of call for movie stars, signers, 
performers of all sorts and athletes. Irrespective of name recognition 
or social standing, every guest received the same gracious reception 
from Anthony. To walk in his door was to be regarded and treated as 
someone special. This hospitable approach had practical applications as 
well, proven by the restaurant's ranking as the fifth most successful 
restaurant in the country in 1984.
  The embrace he received from his peers in the restaurant community 
was complete and sustained. He received the Silver Plate Award from the 
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, the Ivy Award of 
Distinction from Institutions/VFM Magazine, the Golden Door Award from 
the International Institute of Boston, the Restaurant of the Year Award 
in 1976 from the National Restaurant Association amongst many others.
  The best business leaders in our country are people who not only 
excel in commerce but also embrace the larger needs of their community. 
Anthony embraced this notion with the same passion and determination 
that defined his professional life. He contributed time, energy and 
resources to preserving our national history at the USS Constitution 
Museum Foundation, reached out to other entrepreneurs through the 
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, brought comfort to suffering 
families through his work with the American Cancer Society, and helped 
create the next generation of restaurateurs through his support of the 
American Institute of Food and Wine.
  Anthony breathed real life and meaning into the American Dream by not 
only maximizing its possibilities for him and his family but by 
expanding those very same opportunities for others.
  The last time I walked into Anthony's Pier 4 I was greeted in the 
same way I have been for years; with a smile and handshake from a true 
gentleman. Anthony Athanas was a great man, one who sought the American 
Dream and through hard work and his love of people ended up defining 
it. We mourn his passing, but we are deeply grateful for his time on 
earth.

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