[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 6, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E123-E124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF MR. WILLIAM C. BLACK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE SESTAK-

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 6, 2008

  Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of a great 
American, Mr. William C. Black, a loving husband, father and 
grandfather, successful entrepreneur, generous philanthropist, and 
courageous veteran. Mr. Black epitomized all that is good about our 
nation and indeed the world. On February 9th 2008, an exceptional group 
of family and friends with gather to remember and thank a man who 
dedicated his skills, energy, and love to others. In the course of a 
remarkable life that began in Bayonne, NJ on June 7th 1930 and 
continued for sixty-six years thereafter, Mr. Black's work ethic, 
intelligence, leadership, and basic decency made him a pillar of his 
community and a source of hope for multiple generations of patients and 
their families at Jersey Shore Medical Center.
  Following graduation from Fordham University in 1952, Mr. Black 
immediately went to the defense of our nation in the United States 
Marine Corps. His seven years of service as an aviator in the USMC 
included duty in Korea and Japan, and a meteoric rise to the rank of 
Lieutenant Colonel. From the Marine Corps, Mr. Black carried with him a 
fighting spirit and sense of purpose that helped him to become 
President of the New Jersey Zinc Company, our nation's pioneer zinc 
producer and originator of all zinc alloys that revolutionized the 
modern die-casting industry.
  However, it was after retiring from New Jersey Zinc that Mr. Black's 
life reached its zenith. From his tireless work to improve the 
facilities of the Jersey Shore Medical Center, the ``Mary V. Black 
Pavilion'' was christened and thousands of trauma patients owe their 
health and lives to that state-of-the-art facility. This month at the 
2008 Jersey Shore Sweetheart Cancer Ball, Mr. Black and his family will 
be recognized for their work to cure that devastating illness. I will 
never forget the moment my four year old daughter was diagnosed with

[[Page E124]]

a malignant brain tumor. Though we have never met, I know that there is 
a direct connection between my daughter's health today and the life of 
greatness lived by William C. Black. I personally thank him for his 
work and know his legacy will forever live in the gratitude of untold 
numbers of other cancer survivors, their families and friends.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that this chamber pause to remember William C. 
Black, and to thank his wonderful wife Barbara, his accomplished sons, 
William Jr., Michael Paul, and Christopher for their love and 
dedication to one another, Jersey Shore Medical Center, and our blessed 
country.

                          ____________________