[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO ROBERT ALLEN MUIR, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VITO FOSSELLA

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2006

  Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I remember a 
very dear friend of mine, Robert Allen Muir, Jr. of Staten Island, New 
York, who recently passed away. Bob was one of the kindest, most 
sincere and genuine people I have ever met--and I long considered him a 
member of my family.
  Bob was a widely respected election lawyer who worked with candidates 
from both sides of the aisle, including Governor George Pataki, Mayor 
Michael Bloomberg, Steve Forbes and myself. Bob also was an aide to 
Mayor Lindsay and Congressman Freddy Richmond. He had a great legal 
mind and he put his expertise to use helping those leaders he felt 
could make a positive impact on New York City, State, and the nation. 
In addition, Bob was filled with common sense. He understood the 
concerns of average Americans, and he was able to express them in 
simple language that always made the point.
  Bob was born in New York City and moved to Staten Island in his early 
20s. He later lived in Brooklyn and New Jersey until finally returning 
to Staten Island and the New Brighton community in 2003.
  A graduate of Peddie School in Hightstown, New Jersey, Bob earned his 
bachelor's degree from Villanova University and his law degree from 
Fordham University School of Law in Manhattan.
  Besides a great friendship, Bob and I also shared another passion, 
the New York Yankees. Bob reserved his Friday nights during baseball 
season for trips to the Bronx to watch his beloved Bronx Bombers. He 
also enjoyed outings on his boat, cooking, and gardening. He and his 
wife, Ilsa, were set to begin their new life in their new home. Bob 
designed this beautiful home himself to resemble a traditional Colonial 
residence. Everything was looking great until the Almighty called him 
home.
  Along with Ilsa, Bob leaves behind two daughters Karen and Heather. 
All who knew Bob were grateful for his kindness and compassion. He was 
always fighting for the most vulnerable among us. New York State and 
City are a better place because of Bob Muir. We miss him dearly.

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