[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E203]]


                     HONORING THE LIFE OF TED SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2006

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Ted 
Smith, a life-long resident of Chautauqua County and a truly remarkable 
man.

                      Paying Tribute to Ted Smith

                        (By Manley J. Anderson)

       Two well-known local public figures have shared their 
     thoughts about R. Theodore ``Ted'' Smith who was an integral 
     part of their lives for several years. Those paying 
     remembrance and tribute to their late, long-time colleague 
     are Joseph Gerace Sr., New York State Supreme Court Justice 
     now serving as a judicial hearing officer; and Dr. Gregory T. 
     DeCinque, Jamestown Community College president speaking for 
     the area's academic community.
       Gerace said he and Smith campaigned together years ago for 
     the Chautauqua County Legislature, representing the Busti/
     North Harmony area. ``Ted in just about every respect was one 
     of the most outstanding people I've ever met,'' the jurist 
     said. ``He was the kind of public official we wish we had in 
     all positions: honest, straightforward and caring about the 
     community.''
       ``He was Mr. Environment,'' Gerace said, ``and I feel we 
     may still be waiting for the sewer districts except for Ted 
     Smith, who also was known as Mr. Integrity. We campaigned 
     together for the Chautauqua County Legislature, knocking on 
     doors, and Ted took on a county-wide assignment with the 
     landfill, closing open dumps and developing a solid waste 
     plan that was the envy of the area and so effective the 
     private sector wanted to buy it.''
       The jurist closed with, ``He was an all-around guy with a 
     great sense of humor. He was truly the Mark Twain of our era 
     and he always used humor to make the best of a situation.'' 
     ``It is with deep sadness that I share with you that Ted 
     Smith passed away late yesterday (Thursday) at Hamot Medical 
     Center as the result of a heart attack he suffered Sunday 
     evening,'' DeCinque said.
       ``Ted was among the early faculty who established JCC as 
     the premiere community college in New York,'' he said. 
     ``Whether as a faculty member, founding dean of the 
     Cattaraugus County Campus, dean of academic affairs, or 
     retiree, Ted's contributions to JCC are legend.''
       DeCinque continued with, ``Ted led JCC through the 
     development phase of many academic programs as well as the 
     growth of our Cattaraugus County Campus, our outreach into 
     Pennsylvania, and our Dunkirk center.''
       The academician pointed out, ``Ted was recognized with the 
     SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1975 
     and the JCC Foundation's John D. Hamilton Award in 2001. He 
     is among the select few to receive these highest honors 
     associated with the college.''
       DeCinque went on with, ``Ted was highly regarded throughout 
     the state both as an educator and a political leader. His 
     service on the Chautauqua County Legislature led to many 
     improvements within the county, and I know he will be 
     remembered as one of the best legislators we have had in 
     Chautauqua County.''
       He continued with, ``Following Ted's retirement, he 
     returned to the classroom and continued his love affair with 
     teaching. I had the privilege of participating in many of 
     Ted's Student Success Seminars where I witnessed the 
     relationship he was able to develop with students. In 
     addition to teaching in his retirement, Ted carries out a 
     number of research assignments for us that resulted in 
     establishment of several of our newest academic programs 
     including professional piloting, occupational therapy, and 
     dental hygiene.''
       DeCinque said, ``On a personal note, Ted was always there 
     to provide me with insight and wisdom, and he often would 
     send me short notes from Busti or Florida that were always on 
     target and helpful. I will miss that guidance.'' The college 
     leader said, ``JCC and our larger community have lost a dear 
     friend and colleague, and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to 
     Pat and the entire Smith family.'' He closed with, 
     ``Information on services for Ted will be shared with you as 
     it becomes available.

  Ted was a man who fully understood how to live to its fullest and 
that, Mr. Speaker, is why I rise to honor him today.

                          ____________________