[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 58 (Monday, April 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E601-E602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING ROBERT J. LEENEY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 14, 2008

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to pay tribute 
to the remarkable career of Robert J. Leeney, a member of our local 
media community whose talent

[[Page E602]]

and gift for words has left an indelible mark on the New Haven Register 
and its readers. After a career that has spanned seven decades, Bob 
announced his retirement and published his last column Saturday, April 
21, 2007--just a month before his 91st birthday. His quick wit and 
unique perspectives will be missed by colleagues and readers alike. As 
so aptly put by colleague and current Register editorial page editor 
Charles Kochakian, Bob Leeney is indeed irreplaceable.
  Bob's distinguished career in journalism began as a freelance writer 
in 1939 and he was soon brought on staff as a reporter, Sunday feature 
writer, and book critic at the New Haven Register. His only absence 
from the Register was due to his 2 years of service with the 3rd Air 
Commando Group, 5th Air Force during World War II. Bob became an 
editorial writer and served as the editor for the editorial page from 
1947 until 1961, becoming executive editor in 1962 and finally editor 
from 1972-1981. During his tenure as editor, Bob was responsible for 
the technological modernization of the paper, introducing letters to 
the editor as well as the creation of the Sunday Arts & Leisure 
Section--literally changing the face of the New Haven Register. It is 
fair to say that the New Haven Register will not be the same without 
him.
  After more than 40 years with the paper, Bob did step down as editor; 
however, some of his most invaluable contributions were still yet to 
come. His column, ``Editor's Note,'' described as a fusion of literate 
prose and revealing insights, became a Saturday fixture--a must read 
for all Register subscribers. In fact, Bob did not miss 1 week writing 
his column in its 33 year run. ``Editor's Note'' was more than a weekly 
column--it chronicled New Haven's history and affairs with the unique 
perspective of its Irish-American author, creating a unique connection 
between the readers of the Register and our community's rich history.
  Bob's contributions to journalism expand far beyond his work with the 
Register. He was a charter member of the Connecticut Society of 
Professional Journalists chapter, where he is now honored as a member 
of the Connecticut Journalism Hall of Fame. He served as the 
Commissioner of the Freedom of Information Commission for 5 years and 
has been recognized with a variety of accolades and awards throughout 
his career. The Yankee Quill Award for distinguished service to 
journalism, the Seal of the City Award from the New Haven Colony 
Historical Society in recognition of his contributions to New Haven's 
civic life, and the plaque that hangs in the heart of New Haven's 
Audubon arts district are but a few examples but serve as a reflection 
of all that this New Haven native has brought to our community.
  As a respected journalist, community member, mentor, and friend, 
Robert J. Leeney has left an indelible mark on our community and a 
legacy that will continue to inspire generations of journalists to 
come. I am proud to stand today to recognize his outstanding 
contributions and extend my deepest thanks and appreciation for all of 
his good work.

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