[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 98 (Monday, July 24, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF GEORGE BAHAMONDE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 24, 2006

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, the First Congressional 
District lost a great friend, supporter, and leader this past week. 
George Bahamonde, President and CEO of the United Way of the Capital 
Area, died suddenly on Thursday while on vacation in Maine.
  George moved from Cuba to Bridgeport, Connecticut with his family 
when he was 11. He placed great value on education and received his 
bachelor's degree from the University of Bridgeport and earned a 
master's degree in business administration from the University of Miami 
and a master's degree in education from Fairfield University. He 
stressed the value of education throughout his career in public service 
and was especially proud of his work introducing the Girls and Boys 
Town Well-managed Classroom training model to the Hartford school 
system. A five-year assessment of the program showed that academic 
achievement had increased and school suspensions had decreased in the 
schools where it was implemented.
  In 1970, George began a career in human service that lasted the 
remainder of his life. He started as a caseworker for Catholic Family 
and Community Services in Bridgeport, then joined the United Way in 
1972 at the United Way of Eastern Fairfield County. He also served the 
United Way of Puerto Rico, the United Way of Portland, Maine, the 
United Way of Aurora, Illinois, and the United Way of Greater Los 
Angeles.
  Connecticut was fortunate to see George return in 1994 to become 
President and CEO of the United Way of the Capital Area. His vision for 
the forty towns served by the United Way was to improve the lives of 
children and families and better community conditions. To this end, he 
created numerous initiatives and partnerships and worked tirelessly of 
their behalf. George worked as easily with nonprofit organizations as 
he did with corporate donors.
  What truly made George special though was not just that he cared 
about the communities he served, he cared about each individual in 
those communities. He was a great friend to many and will be remembered 
for his quick smile, his wit, and his professionalism. He was always 
willing to share a laugh, talk baseball, or offer words of advice and 
encouragement.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in expressing condolences to 
George's wife Jenny, his son Matthew, and the rest of his family. The 
Hartford area has lost a truly caring person and a quietly effective 
leader. However, George's work will be carried on by those who believe 
in his vision that we can make each person's life better.




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