[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF WILLIAM J. McCARTHY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 15, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
William J. ``Bill'' McCarthy, a U.S. Navy Veteran who was devoted to 
his family and friends. His leadership and work on behalf of the 
American laborer continues to strengthen and protect workers' rights 
throughout the Cleveland community.
  Mr. McCarthy was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where he later 
raised his own family. In 1956, he met and married the late Margaret J. 
Pawlak. Together they had four children: Marge, Kelly, William and 
Kevin. Their children, ten grandchildren and great-granddaughter were 
the most important part of their lives.
  Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Mr. McCarthy began 
working as a meter reader with East Ohio Gas Company. He quickly 
ascended the union ranks to become one of the most powerful and 
effective labor leaders in Cleveland. He represented thousands of 
workers at East Ohio Gas, and led numerous strikes that won significant 
concessions in wages, benefits and safety improvements for workers. He 
was known for never giving up or backing down from what he believed was 
just and right. Mr. McCarthy's work on labor issues extended throughout 
Northeast Ohio, where he forged strong bonds with labor leaders, 
elected officials and workers. He served as Chairman of the AFL-CIO, 
President of the Ohio Joint Council of the Service Employees 
International Union, vice-president of Union Eye Care and as a board 
member with the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of William J. ``Bill'' McCarthy, who had an unwavering devotion to his 
family and country, and whose work on behalf of workers' rights will 
continue to reinforce the labor foundation of the Cleveland community. 
I extend my heartfelt condolences to Mr. McCarthy's daughters: Marge 
and Kelly; his sons, William J. Jr. and Kevin; his ten grandchildren; 
his great-granddaughter; and his sister, Noreen.

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