[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 25 (Thursday, March 2, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING RICHARD ``DICK'' QUATTRIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 2, 2006

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take this time 
to remember one of Northwest Indiana's most distinguished citizens, 
Richard ``Dick'' Quattrin, of Whiting, Indiana. On Sunday, February 26, 
2006, Dick passed away while in Washington, D.C. As he so often did, 
Dick made the trip to Washington to take part in a national meeting of 
the American Legion. Dick will be laid to rest on Saturday, February 4, 
2006, at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Hammond, Indiana.
  Dick Quattrin was born on August 18, 1932, to Angelo and Laura 
Quattrin. He was born and raised in the Pullman-Roseland neighborhoods 
of Chicago before relocating to Whiting, Indiana, which he called home 
for over fifty years. These fifty years were spent with his beloved 
wife, Dorothy, who survives him. Dick is also survived by his five 
daughters, Lydia (Greg) Beer, Karen (Ed) Erminger, Ruth (Wayne) Rodda, 
Marsha (John) Jerome, and Sharon Quattrin. Dick is also survived by his 
brothers Norman (Laurie) Quattrin and Ron (Sandy) Quattrin, his sister-
in-law Rose (Bill) Tuskan, and his loving grandchildren, whom he truly 
cherished: Andrew, Jason, Jennifer, Daniel, Jeffrey, Megan, Laura, 
Allison, Emily, and Claire.
  Dick's life of service to his community goes back to his days in the 
United States Army, where he obtained the rank of Sergeant. Dick felt 
tremendous pride for his country, and he was willing to endanger his 
own life to protect the lives of his fellow Americans, as evidenced by 
his service during the Korean Conflict. His courage and heroism will 
always be remembered, and his sacrifice will forever live in the hearts 
and minds of those for whom he battled. Throughout his professional 
career, Dick continued to serve the community as a member of the fire 
department for the City of Hammond, Indiana.
  Since his discharge from the United States Army, Dick has become most 
well known in the community for his commitment to veterans and his 
involvement with the American Legion and other veterans' organizations. 
Dick's dedication to the American Legion is evident in the many 
prestigious positions he held. Dick was a past commander of American 
Legion Post #80 in Whiting, where he remained a constant fixture until 
his passing. Dick was even named to the revered post of Commander of 
the Department of Indiana American Legion from 1997-1998. His efforts 
in this position allowed him to spread his compassion and his 
unwavering concern for veterans far beyond the borders of Northwest 
Indiana. Along the way, I am sure Dick crossed paths with many more 
veterans whose lives were touched, knowing that such a passionate 
individual was fighting for them. In addition to his service to the 
American Legion, Dick was also an active member of the 40/8, the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars Walter Kleiber Post 2724, the Knights of 
Columbus Council 1696, and the B.P.O.E. Whiting Lodge 68.
  While Dick has dedicated considerable time and energy to veterans' 
rights, he has always made an extra effort to give back to the 
community. Dick, well known in Northwest Indiana for his talents as a 
singer, was a member of his church choir and the ``Knight Sounds'' of 
the Whiting Knights of Columbus. In addition, Dick was highly respected 
in the community in the area of athletics, having coached the Whiting 
Post #80 baseball team for the past 40 years. An accomplished athlete 
in his own right, Dick played professional baseball as a member of the 
Saint Louis Browns affiliated minor league ball club.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring Mr. Richard ``Dick'' Quattrin for his 
outstanding devotion to Indiana's First Congressional District. His 
unselfish and lifelong dedication to veterans and the Northwest Indiana 
community is worthy of the highest commendation. Dick's selflessness 
was an inspiration to us all, and I am proud to have represented him in 
Congress.

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