[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 7 (Thursday, January 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E33]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE TREMENDOUS PUBLIC SERVICE OF ROBERT GABRIEL SHORTAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 17, 2008

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to a tremendous public servant, Robert Gabriel Shortal of Harrington 
Park, NJ. From the time that he, his wife, Jackie, and his children 
moved to this small Bergen County suburb, the Shortal family has been 
an integral part of this community, raising money for the public 
library and founding the Harrington Park Swim Club and more.
  Bob was born in Kearny, NJ, in 1928. After the bombing of Pearl 
Harbor, Bob convinced his father to allow him to enlist at the young 
age of 16. He served honorably with the Navy, stationed on a destroyer 
in the Atlantic theater. Upon his discharge, he completed his 
education, studying journalism at New York University. He worked for 
United Press International, UPI, first as a copy boy and later as a 
financial reporter. Dedicated to his profession, Bob joined the 
Financial Writers Association and became its president in 1958.
  As his family grew, Bob switched to work in public relations, first 
at City Service and later at RCA, where he remained until his 
retirement in 1985. Upon his retirement, Bob threw his talents and 
energies into community service. He became a certified EMT and became a 
leader with the Harrington Park Ambulance Corps. He has applied his 
journalist's skills as editor of the Harrington Park Newsletter. And, 
he has served his fellow veterans as Commander of American Legion Post 
30. Bob is an active member of the Our Lady of Victories Church 
community and the Knights of Columbus. And, he can often be found 
working as a school crossing guard.
  In 1992, Bob was elected to the Borough Council. He has chaired or 
served on each of its standing committees until his retirement last 
year. All the while, Bob and Jackie raised a lovely family of four 
children--John Frances, Mary Judith, Roberta Ann, and Judith Ann. 
Jackie passed away in 1999, but Bob remains blessed with seven 
beautiful grandchildren and a lifetime of memories.
  Bob Shortal epitomizes public service. He has answered the call of 
his country and his community and given of his talents and time for his 
neighbors. I join the people of the Borough of Harrington Park in 
honoring Bob for his dedication and commitment.

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