[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 118 (Friday, July 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF JAY CRISCIONE

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                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 2009

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on July 29th, South 
Carolina and Lexington County lost a long time friend and leader with 
the passing of Jay Criscione. Our community has been enhanced as world-
class due to his vision on behalf of young people and our senior 
citizens.
  Joey Holleman of The State newspaper in South Carolina has 
thoughtfully penned the following tribute to Mr. Criscione.

                            [From the State]

                    Lexington Recreation Leader Dies

                           (By Joey Holleman)

       Jay Criscione, who directed the Lexington County Recreation 
     and Aging Commission through more than two decades of rapid 
     growth, died Wednesday after a battle with cancer. He was 61.
       Criscione started with the recreation agency in 1973, soon 
     after he graduated from Clemson. He took over as executive 
     director in 1986.
       Criscione steered the agency toward projects that drew from 
     large geographic areas--the four leisure centers, the Oak 
     Grove and Pine Grove softball complexes, and a national-
     caliber tennis center. He reasoned that the softball and 
     tennis projects would give the county double benefits. Local 
     players could use the facilities, and local businesses would 
     benefit from regional and national tournaments held at the 
     venues.
       ``He was a pioneer in the softball craze of bringing in 
     national tournaments,'' said Jim Headley, director of the 
     S.C. Recreation and Parks Association. ``What he did with Oak 
     Grove and then Pine Grove inspired Rock Hill, Florence and 
     Aiken to enter the softball market. He saw sports tourism as 
     an economic engine.''
       Adept at working every financing angle, Criscione landed 
     state grants that paid most of the construction cost for a 
     horse arena in South Congaree and multiple senior centers. He 
     also helped convince County Council to approve multimillion-
     dollar construction bonds.
       ``He had a vision for the county,'' said Larry Mack, 
     longtime chairman of the recreation commission. ``He worked 
     real hard to supply the needs of the people for recreation.''
       In recent years, Criscione had been slowed by multiple 
     bouts with various cancers. He is survived by his mother, 
     Juanita R. Criscione of Chester, a daughter and son-in-law, 
     Ramsey and Trent Goodman of Lexington, a sister, Paulette 
     Criscione of Lexington, and two grandchildren.

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