[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 20 (Thursday, February 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING WILLIAM H. LEWIS JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2008

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor a friend and 
colleague William H. Lewis, Jr. of Neptune, New Jersey who passed away 
on Monday, January 28. Bill was a remarkable man who dedicated his life 
to public service. He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends 
and the entire New Jersey community he served.
  After a second valiant fight with cancer, Bill died at the Jersey 
Shore University Medical Center. Born in New York City on November 27, 
1939, he lived a fulfilling and diversified life in which he found 
great successes in so many areas.
  Bill was an enthusiastic educator for almost 30 years. Along with his 
wife, Bill started teaching in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, before they 
would move back to New Jersey to his childhood roots, where he then 
taught at Shore Regional High School, in West Long Branch. He was also 
an adored football and track coach and a local advocate at the West 
Side Community Center in Asbury Park.
  During his days at Shore Regional, Bill would become a local Monmouth 
County Education Association president, working hard to protect 
teacher's rights. When Bill retired from teaching 18 years ago, he 
would continue advocating for children in New Jersey outside of the 
classroom. He became a full-time activist for the New Jersey Education 
Association, where he worked to advance and protect the rights, 
benefits, and interests of its members, and promote a quality system of 
public education for all students. It was in this capacity that I had 
the honor of working closely with Bill. Together we worked to help New 
Jersey students achieve excellence.
  Bill is survived by a son, William David Lewis and a daughter, 
Michele Lewis, as well as other loving extended family members. His 
loving wife, Laura Oxley Lewis predeceased Bill, whom he lost almost 6 
years ago to her own bout with cancer.
  Madam Speaker, Bill Lewis was a devoted advocate for children and 
public education. He was a strong champion for New Jersey's children, 
working tirelessly to provide them with better opportunities and life 
choices. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during 
this trying time.

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