[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING THE LIFE OF 
                               LEO DIEHL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2006

  Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, it's been said that the world goes on 
because a few people in every generation believe in it utterly, accept 
it unquestionably, underwrite it with their lives. Leo Diehl was one 
such man.
  A community is gathering together in Harwich today to celebrate Leo's 
remarkable life that took him from Beacon Hill to the Halls of 
Congress. Those who remember him recall his wit, tenacity, dignity, 
compassion, irascibility, loyalty, and most importantly, his lust for 
life.
  Diagnosed with polio at the age of 6, Leo never let his infirmity get 
in the way of living. Never one for sitting on the sidelines, he was 
determined to do all the things the other kids in Charlestown were 
doing. He was a formidable athlete--pitching 27 innings in a sandlot 
baseball game or playing goalie for the neighborhood hockey team. He 
refused confinement in a wheelchair and the pity of others.
  In later life, he would say the experience of losing his legs and 
learning to use crutches to walk gave him the grace to understand the 
struggles that so many poor and working-class families endure on a 
daily basis. He reminded people that his brain, eyes, ears and, most 
importantly, his mouth still worked. Leo used them all to right wrongs 
where he saw them and to speak up, even stand-up, for those who didn't 
have a voice, who weren't as strong or as brave as he was.
  Elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in the same 
year as Tip O'Neill, the two men became fast friends and allies. Later, 
when Leo would lose his seat, he would begin a storied career in the 
Commonwealth's tax department, eventually rising to tax commissioner.
  Then, the call came. Newly elected Majority Whip, and his old friend, 
Tip O'Neill, wanted him to come to Washington, DC. He needed a good 
right-hand, a conscience and a confidant. The rest, they say, is 
history.
  He dined with kings and queens, prime ministers and cardinals, but 
never forgot his working class roots. He was a constant presence in 
this House; a role-model of character and integrity for Members and 
staff alike. Many called him the ``watch-dog''; lots of other people 
called him other things--usually behind his back. Regardless, at the 
end of the day, everyone had the greatest respect for Leo--a man who 
served this institution well and faithfully.
  In later years, he would raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for 
charity with his good friend and with the help of those he inspired.
  St. Luke reminds us that to those to whom much is given, much is 
required--and should be expected. In the case of Leo Diehl, he gave as 
good as he got. Now he's in a place, joined with his wife Grace, family 
and friends; made whole and perfect in His sight--and most likely still 
helping his friend, his Speak-ah, Tom make the streets of heaven a 
better place.

                          ____________________