[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 3, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO DR. RONALD ANTHONY PARISE

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                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 3, 2009

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. 
Ronald Anthony Parise. Dr. Parise led an admirable life of service to 
our country through his dedication to the space program and his 
exemplification of the ideals of good citizenship.
  Dr. Parise was a distinguished native of Warren, Ohio, a graduate of 
Western Reserve High School and a physics graduate of Youngstown State 
University in 1973. He developed one of his deepest, life-long 
interests at the age of eleven when he became licensed for Amateur 
Radio. Dr. Parise's love of radio guided his life of research and 
exploration from his academic work to his work in space.
  While at Youngstown State University, Dr. Parise's interest in 
astronomy and exploration flourished. He was a prominent member of the 
Astronomy Club at Youngstown State and a technician at the planetarium. 
After graduating from Youngstown State, Dr. Parise furthered his 
education by earning a Master's degree and a doctorate at the 
University of Florida.
  In 1984, Dr. Parise was selected by NASA to be a payload specialist. 
He made two remarkable trips into outer space, once in 1990 aboard the 
space shuttle Columbia mission ASTRO-1 and once in 1995 aboard the 
space shuttle Endeavor mission ASTRO-2. Dr. Parise logged an 
astonishing total of 614 hours in space and traveled 10.6 million 
miles.
  As payload specialist, Dr. Parise took his admiration of astronomy 
and his respect of radio to a new level. He used his passion for 
astronomy and radio to develop Amateur Radio on the International Space 
Station. This development used a simple ham radio to communicate from 
space to Earth. The creation of Amateur Radio on the International 
Space Station was essential because it allowed schools to speak with 
astronauts and learn about space exploration. Dr. Parise established 
the radio communication link that inspired countless students to study 
and seek careers in vitally important scientific fields. This radio 
connection brought about the interest and devotion to outer space that 
we see today.
  Dr. Parise also pioneered the operation of a telescope in space. He 
completed hundreds of observations regarding ultraviolet rays and x-
rays in space. Dr. Parise's observations created a greater 
understanding of how celestial objects affect the birth of a star. 
These observations also expanded our knowledge of the complex life 
cycle of a star. As recognition for his accomplishments, NASA awarded 
Dr. Parise twice with its Space Flight Medal.
  However, Dr. Parise's love of science did not end after his last 
space flight. After leaving NASA, he continued to inspire students to 
pursue careers in science as a motivational speaker. He traveled to 
many different schools to spread his enthusiasm and knowledge of 
science.
  Dr. Parise led an impressive public life, but he also led an 
impressive family life. Ron Parise was known as a man who put his 
family and friends first and always valued the relationships in his 
life, especially his relationships with his wife and two children.
  After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Dr. Ronald Anthony 
Parise passed away at the age of fifty-seven on May 9, 2008. Dr. Ronald 
Anthony Parise touched countless lives through his contributions to his 
community, his nation, and the world of science, and for this he will 
never be forgotten.

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