[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 109 (Thursday, September 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO LEO SHERLOCK HOLMES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2006

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life, 
dedication and contributions of Mr. Leo Sherlock Holmes, who passed 
away on July 21, 2006.
  Mr. Holmes served the U.S. Army as a member of the 99th Fighter 
Squadron of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, and in November 
1965 he became the first African American to be elected to Chester City 
Council. Mr. Holmes served as an inspiration for many people. Because 
of his trail blazing, the impossible became possible and a reality.
  Aside from his career on City Council, Mr. Holmes was also a City 
Treasurer, a math teacher at Frederick Douglass Junior High School, and 
a deacon at Bethany Baptist and, later, Calvary Baptist Church. It 
could never be said that Leo was not an active person. He loved people 
and lived under the motto that he would be a better person when he 
reached out to help others.
  Mr. Holmes served as a Councilman for the City of Chester for 14 
years. He then served as Personnel Director before retiring as City 
Treasurer on January 10, 1986. Believing and accepting that the people 
of Chester entrusted him in this position, Leo worked hard to address 
the issues and answer to the call of the people to the best of his 
ability. In September of 1990, Leo was appointed to the Board of 
Directors of the Chester Water Authority and served for 12 years before 
retiring due to increasing health problems.
  Mr. Holmes was dedicated and devoted to the Masonic Order. His 
journey there started on December 3, 1955 until he his failing health 
forced him to leave his Masonic office in October of 1990. Upon his 
resignation the Grand Lodge unanimously voted that he be recognized as 
the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary Emeritus of the Most Worshipful 
Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania.
  Throughout his career, Mr. Holmes has led by example and we all have 
benefited from his leadership, intellect and integrity. Mr. Holmes' 
passing represents the loss of a powerful and committed voice, and it 
is for these reasons I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues rise to honor him.

                          ____________________