[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 60 (Monday, April 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E742]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH TOMASI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2007

  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, on April 9, our community lost a giant of 
a man dedicated to the greater good and betterment of all. Joseph 
Tomasi, lifetime labor union leader and resident of Ohio, passed from 
this life to the next at the age of 86 after a decade long and valiant 
struggle with kidney disease. He loved his family and community and 
devoted his noble life to the cause of working men and women.
  For nearly all his life, Mr. Tomasi built the labor movement within 
Ohio and America. In an effort to stand up for what he believed in, Mr. 
Tomasi lost his first job because of participation in union activities, 
and later dedicated his life to this cause. He served our Nation during 
World War II in the United States Army and was awarded the Purple Heart 
medal. When he returned, Mr. Tomasi continued to exhibit his dedication 
to his community by working as the director of Region 2B for the United 
Auto Workers for 17 years. Even after retirement, Mr. Tomasi helped to 
establish and served on the board for the Northwest Ohio Cooperative 
Labor Management Center at the University of Toledo. His efforts there 
saved thousands of jobs in our region through careful attention to 
negotiated workouts and settlements and gained respect from all 
involved.
  Joe Tomasi showed compassion to all. He gave back to the community 
every chance he was given. He served on numerous boards and committees 
throughout the Northwest Ohio area, always striving to help bridge the 
gap between management and labor.
  Mr. Tomasi's calm and collected manner, his keen insight and 
unbounding enthusiasm will be missed by all. He always fought for the 
underdog--in his profession, his community, and his politics. His 
spirit inspired all those who knew him. May God royally bless him for a 
life lived for others. We extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Tomasi's 
daughter, son, grandchildren, brothers and sister and extended family. 
We know Joe joins his childhood sweetheart, Evelyn, in the heavens 
beyond.

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