[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 17 (Monday, January 29, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE MEMORY OF NYS ASSEMBLYMAN JOHN LAVELLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 29, 2007

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring to the House's 
attention the tremendously sad news of the passing of a dear friend and 
fellow public servant. I rise today also to honor the memory, and take 
note of the tireless public service of, my good friend, the late New 
York State Assemblyman Jack Lavelle.
  Jack and I were colleagues in the New York State Assembly from 2000, 
when he arrived as a freshman, until the end of 2004, when I left 
Albany after my initial election to Congress.
  Madam Speaker, I do not exaggerate when I recount that it was a 
tremendous honor to serve with Jack, for I greatly valued his counsel, 
leadership, and friendship. More than that, what I will miss most about 
Jack is his tremendously warm and kindhearted spirit.
  We always knew where Jack was from--his beloved borough of Staten 
Island. More importantly, Jack never forgot where he was from. Despite 
being from opposite ends of the state and being of different 
generations, Jack and I shared a commitment to our respective 
communities that I am proud to believe was very similar. Both of us 
were fortunate to learn early on that when you remember where you come 
from, when you follow the rules, love your family, and give back to 
your community anything is possible. Jack Lavelle was living proof of 
that.
  Jack's public career was well known, and the respect Jack enjoyed 
from leaders throughout the state was impressive. Jack's history of 
community involvement is far too long to list in its entirety, but his 
work with countless educational committees, community boards and 
medical advisory councils were well known and well respected.
  In November 2000, Jack's succession of revered Assemblywoman Betty 
Connelly allowed him to continue her legacy of commitment to Staten 
Island. So many of Jack's successes in Albany involved education, where 
he made great strides toward the improvement of New York City's public 
schools.
  Jack always spoke with tremendous pride about his family, including 
his three sons, John, Christopher, and Danny and his grandchildren 
Jacob, Zachary and Julia. I am certain that all members of the House 
join with me to offer our most sincere condolences to Jack's family, 
lost so suddenly as he was.
  When I think back about Jack, I think of how tremendously kind he was 
to me. Although ten years my senior in age, Jack often called me 
``Governor,'' because he always said, ``Kid, you're going somewhere.'' 
When I announced my run for an open Congressional seat in 2004, Jack 
was among the first to call and offer encouragement. His friendship and 
support were as genuine as can be.
  We all join with Jack's family in mourning his loss, and remain 
confident that the good work that he did, both in Staten Island and in 
Albany, has left a powerful legacy for many years to come. Rest in 
peace, Jack Lavelle; your work here is done, but your legacy will live 
on for years to come.

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