[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 45 (Monday, March 16, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E672-E673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF JOHN P. GALLAGHER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 16, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and of memory of 
my friend and mentor, John P. Gallagher, upon the official naming of 
the West Park Post Office, John P. Gallagher Building, and in 
recognition of his lifetime service to our community and to our 
country.
  A lifelong resident of Cleveland, Mr. Gallagher was the son of Irish 
immigrants, from whom he learned the values of a strong work ethic and 
the importance of faith, family and service to community. During World 
War II, he served in the Army, First Engineer Special Brigade and in 
six combat campaigns, including missions in North Africa and the 
Normandy Invasion. Following the war, Mr. Gallagher worked in 
construction before taking a job with the City of Cleveland in 1954. He 
worked diligently for the City, until his retirement in 1987, which 
followed 22 years in the role of Superintendent of Sidewalks.
  Throughout his adult life, Mr. Gallagher dedicated his time and 
talent to issues and projects focused on the improvement of our 
community. He was a staunch advocate of neighborhood safety, and also 
advocated for the welfare and rights of senior citizens. For many 
years, he served as a Democratic Party precinct committee chairman and 
volunteered countless hours in numerous local, state and national 
campaigns. He kept a close watch over his neighborhood park, and 
organized programs and projects for senior citizens at Cleveland's 
Gunning Recreation Center. His intelligence, kindness and good sense of 
humor quickly endeared people to him. Mr.

[[Page E673]]

Gallagher's keen understanding of the soul of a neighborhood and his 
opinions on community issues were valued by everyone, from neighbors to 
national leaders.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and memory of 
John P. Gallagher, upon the official naming of the West Park Post 
Office building after John P. Gallagher. Mr. Gallagher's service to 
family, friends, community and country has greatly influenced the lives 
of everyone he has known, including my own. He will forever be 
remembered along the streets, in the meeting halls and throughout the 
parks of Cleveland's west side neighborhood.

                          ____________________