[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 114 (Thursday, September 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF PRESTON ROBERT TISCH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2006

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
605, a resolution recognizing the life of Preston Robert Tisch and his 
outstanding contributions to New York City, the New York Giants 
Football Club, the National Football League, and the United States. Mr. 
Tisch died, at the age of 79, on November 15, 2005, at his home in 
Manhattan, New York. The cause of his demise was a brain tumor, as said 
Jeffrey Stewart, spokesman for the family. New Yorkers knew Mr. Tisch 
as Bob and will always remember his stupendous economic support and 
leadership on several civic initiatives committed to the betterment of 
the city.
  Having made his fortune from the real estate business in New York, 
Bob Tisch was a dedicated man who truly loved this city and exemplified 
the belief that the prime responsibility and highest calling of those 
fortunate enough to have achieved financial security was to use the 
resources and capacity to improve the lives of other people. Many New 
Yorkers were helped by the generosity of Mr. Tisch's civic commitment.
  In May 2005, Mr. Tisch was interviewed for the online edition of 
Education Update magazine by Joan Baum, Ph.D. Dr. Baum described him as 
an ``extraordinary life of public service and philanthropy''. Mr. 
Tisch's service as Postmaster General of the United States in the 90s 
was mentioned. As well as his participation in a partnership program to 
fund community programs, sitting on the board as a founding member of 
Citymeals-on-wheels, and as an essential driving force behind the new 
Giants Stadium.

  In 2000, Mr. Tisch founded a program known as ``Take the Field'', 
which benefited public schools by restoring athletic fields in New York 
to provide spaces for children to both practice and play. Since its 
inception ``Take the Field'' has already successfully restored 41 of 43 
athletic fields in New York. By May 2005 Mr. Tisch's efforts had raised 
$135 million in private and public funds for ``Take the Field.'' Ernie 
Accorsi, Giants General Manager, 1998-present stated: ``Bob Tisch was a 
historic man in New York City history. His contributions ranged from 
government, both National and local, to the entertainment world to the 
sports world, but most important, to incredible charitable acts. His 
`Take the Field' program was one of the most innovative and beautiful 
efforts in athletics in this country. But in addition to these things 
and to his co-ownership of one of the great franchises in American 
sport, in addition to his brilliance and dynamic New York presence, was 
the soul of a good and decent man who cared about people and did 
countless deeds to help those less fortunate, acts which never received 
notice.''
  Mr. Tisch wanted to improve health and increase the academic 
performance of not only students, but also of the communities as well. 
Mr. Tisch was very interested in education. Evidence of this is the 
Tisch School of the Arts and the Preston Robert Tisch Center for 
Hospitality, Tourism and Sports at New York University.
  Mr. Tisch also served as Mayor David N. Dinkins ``ambassador'' to 
Washington, he was chairman of host committees for the 1976 and 1980 
Democratic National Conventions, and also led the way in building a new 
convention center on Manhattan's West Side. He was the Chairman and 
Director of the Loews Corporation, one of the country's most successful 
financial companies.
  In 1991 he purchased the New York Giants and loved to attend 
practices and share opinions with coaches. Mr. Tisch improved the 
Giant's business by sharpening the team's marketing strategies. As a 
member of the National Football League's Finance and Super Bowl Policy 
Committees, Mr. Tisch attained prominence in the sports arena equal to 
his position in the world of business.
  We all mourn the loss of Bob Tisch, who left an indelible mark on our 
society. He will always be alive in our hearts and minds. As a friend, 
I will greatly miss a remarkable man whose companionship I treasured, 
and whose energetic, enthusiastic, and enormously big heart will never 
be forgotten.

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