[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 60 (Thursday, April 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E970-E971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE HONORABLE IRVING J. STOLBERG

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2009

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I 
rise today to pay tribute to the memory of one of Connecticut's most 
outstanding public leaders and my dear friend, The Honorable Irving J. 
Stolberg. After a year-long fight, Irv lost his battle with leukemia 
and Connecticut lost one of its most respected and beloved public 
officials.
  Elected to Connecticut's House of Representatives in 1970, Irv served 
twenty-two years in the General Assembly--a member of virtually every 
committee and twice elected to lead as Speaker. It was during his 
tenure as Speaker that the General Assembly saw its greatest 
transformation with more members seeing legislating as their primary 
occupation even though it is considered a part-time position and his 
oversight of the construction of the Legislative Office Building which, 
after its opening in 1988, gave all legislators their own offices and 
provided the additional space for public hearings that our historic 
Capitol building could not accommodate. The very character of the 
General Assembly was changed with the members finding a stronger voice 
and taking a more active role in shaping public policy. He has been 
called the ``father of the modern legislature'' and there could not be 
a more fitting tribute to his legacy.
  His passion for service stretched far beyond Connecticut politics. A 
Professor of Geography and African Studies, Irv taught at both Southern 
Connecticut State University as well as Quinnipiac University. As an 
Africanist, he did research in Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. Most 
recently, Irv served as the President of the Connecticut Division of 
the United Nations Association and was most proud of his production of 
the widely distributed UNA Calendar of Peace. He was a member of the 
UNA Board of Directors and in 2006 was elected to represent the United 
States on the Executive Committee of the World Federation of UNAs. His 
travels took him to more than 90 countries--twenty-two visits to China 
alone. He helped to develop training programs at American universities 
for more than 700 Chinese Provincial Officials, assisted in the 
democratization of Eastern Europe--particularly in Bulgaria--and had a 
role in drafting the Brazilian

[[Page E971]]

Constitution. A recognition of his commitment and contributions to 
international relations, President Clinton appointed Irving to the 
Commission on the Preservation of American Culture Abroad where he had 
the lead responsibility for relations with Slovakia, Ukraine, and 
Moldavia. Irv was indeed a global citizen and has left an indelible 
mark not only on our state but across the world.
  Here in Connecticut, Irv was also instrumental in the establishment 
of Connecticut Hospice--the first organization of its kind in the 
nation. Connecticut Hospice is dedicated to using a holistic approach 
in helping patients and their families attain an optimum quality of 
life as they cope with irreversible illnesses providing the comfort and 
care that they need in their last days. It may also be fitting that it 
was at Connecticut Hospice, surrounded by family and friends, that 
Irving spent his final days.
  Irv dedicated a lifetime to public service and forever changed the 
face of Connecticut politics. I consider myself fortunate to have been 
able to call him my friend. Today, as we remember all that Irv 
contributed to his community and his state, I extend my deepest 
sympathies to his family: his son Robert; former wife, Alicia; his 
brothers, Roger and Frank; and his sister, Melody. Irving J. Stolberg 
set an example for public service to which we should all strive and has 
left a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

                          ____________________