[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 159 (Thursday, October 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FREDERICK K. BIEBEL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 29, 2009

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise 
today to pay tribute to Frederick K. Biebel of Stratford, Connecticut 
who passed away this week at the age of 83. Fred was a remarkable 
member of the community and a local political legend. His passing marks 
the end of an era in the Stratford community and in Connecticut's 
Republican Party.
  Fred began his career in the 1950s as a member of Stratford's Town 
Council as well as the Chairman of the Stratford Republican Town 
Committee. During his tenure, he organized countless campaigns and 
served as a role model and mentor for other candidates. Fred went on to 
serve as Chairman of the Republican State Central Committee in 
Connecticut and during President Reagan's Administration he presided as 
Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee. He also represented 
Connecticut as a delegate in fourteen national GOP conventions--the 
last just this past year. Fred served in every capacity--from volunteer 
to candidate to national party co-chair. He was committed to his 
ideals, but understood the value of debate. Through his activism he 
earned a distinguished reputation and was respected by colleagues of 
every political persuasion.
  As involved in politics as he was, Fred was just as committed to his 
family and community. He and his wife of 58 years, Violet, raised three 
children and he was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. Fred was 
also a dedicated member of the Lordship Community Church where he 
served as deacon. In fact, he helped to literally build the Church 
itself, dismantling, transporting, and reassembling an unused Colonial 
white church from Vermont in the late 1940s. Fred was proud of the life 
he built--a fact that was reflected in his recently published 
autobiography, ``Path of a Patriot: The Political Journey of Mr. B.''
  Though we may have come from different political viewpoints, Fred and 
I shared a common cause--public service. Whether through his political 
career or his work in the community, Fred dedicated a lifetime to 
service. He understood better than most that a community is only as 
strong as those members who dedicate themselves to its improvement. He 
knew that meaningful change came from active involvement--a lesson that 
he passed on to several generations. I consider myself fortunate to 
have known him.
  Today, as family and friends reflect on the life of Frederick K. 
Biebel, I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Violet, his 
children, Karen, Kyle, and Kevin, as well as his nine grandchildren, 
and seven great-grandchildren. Fred was an extraordinary man who 
touched the lives of many. His is a legacy that will continue to 
inspire generations to come.

                          ____________________