[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN HONOR OF JOHN JOSEPH ``WACKO'' HURLEY OF SOUTH BOSTON, MA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 2009

  Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of John Joseph 
``Wacko'' Hurley, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to 
his hometown of South Boston, MA, and to commend him for over 50 years 
of dedicated service to his community.
  The son of Margaret and Michael Hurley, immigrants from County Kerry, 
Ireland, John was born on May 11, 1930 in South Boston and lived on 
East Fifth St. until 1965 when he moved to East Fourth St. in South 
Boston where he currently resides.
  John attended Nazareth School at O and Third St., and South Boston 
High School graduating in 1948. Subsequent to his graduation, John 
enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1950-1952 aboard the 
USS Noah (DD-841).
  Upon completion of his distinguished service to our country, John 
worked for the State Veterans Services for 20 years. Following this 
position, John worked as an office manager for the Massachusetts Bay 
Transportation Authority for 18 years.
  Along with providing distinguished service to his country and his 
state, John is also an active member of his community. A faithful 
parishioner at St. Brigid's Church in South Boston, John can be found 
daily at the 7 a.m. early morning mass followed by his walk around 
Castle Island. John also brought to the United States Supreme Court the 
case (John J. Hurley v. GLIB) that affirmed the First Amendment right 
of the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council to organize a private 
parade. He won a victory with a 9-0 vote. This law can now be found in 
every law book in the country. In fact, John has organized the 
Evacuation Day/St. Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston for the past 50 
years.
  John was recently awarded the Bishop Cheverus Medal from Cardinal 
Sean O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston, for Community Service and Catholic 
Dedication. You will find John every Thanksgiving and Christmas at St. 
Monica/St. Augustine serving holiday meals to the less fortunate.
  Madam Speaker, John is known for his quick sense of humor and great 
storytelling. He has had the good fortune to be married to Molly for 56 
years; they are the proud parents of 7 children, 15 grandchildren, and 
2 great grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the floor of the House 
today to join with John J. ``Wacko'' Hurley's family, friends, and 
contemporaries to thank him for his remarkable service to his community 
of South Boston.

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