[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 15 (Tuesday, February 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E123-E124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF JOHN ALFRED ``FRED'' BENNETT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 2010

  Mr. MURTHA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of John 
Alfred ``Fred'' Bennett and to pay tribute to his life of leadership 
and service. Mr. Bennett was a beloved husband, father, friend, and 
community leader in my district. He was born in Franklin Borough, 
Cambria County to James A. and Shirley R. Bennett. He grew up with a 
love of

[[Page E124]]

sports and was especially fond of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mr. Bennett 
graduated from Greater Johnstown High School and later attended St. 
Francis University.
  After serving his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the 
Korean War, Mr. Bennett came home to Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He was 
employed for more than 40 years by the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, 
where he worked in many positions. He was a delegate to the Johnstown 
Regional Central Labor Council, became one of the area's most 
preeminent Masons, and was a dedicated Elk.
  A devout Christian, Mr. Bennett filled many leadership roles as a 
member of Mount Sinai Institutional Baptist Church. He served on the 
church's board of trustees and also participated as a member of the 
Male Chorus, Adult Gospel Choir, Lily of the Valley, and the John 
Bennett Singers.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Bennett was the former president and a lifetime 
member of the Johnstown Branch National Association for the Advancement 
of Colored People (NAACP), and also served as Chairman of the Civil 
Rights Committee of United Steelworkers of America 2634 Rod and Wire 
Mill.
  At 78 years old, John Bennett lived a full and prosperous life. My 
thoughts and prayers are with his wife Rosemarie and his loving family.

                          ____________________