[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 17 (Thursday, February 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM COELHO FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 2010

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to join the community of Milford, Connecticut as they gather to 
pay tribute to William ``Bill'' Coelho--an outstanding individual who 
has dedicated countless hours to enriching the lives of others and 
making his community a better place to live, work, and grow.
  Bill is an extraordinary man whose generosity, compassion, and 
commitment to public service has touched the lives of many. He, like so 
many of us, learned about the importance of community service and 
caring for others from his parents, Rose and Julio Coelho. Bill has 
taken those lessons and dedicated a lifetime to improving the quality 
of life for friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. He is a reflection 
of the very best of our community.
  Bill is a legend in Milford--particularly in the sports community. He 
was an All-State tackle and Heavywieght Division State Champion at 
Milford High School where the gymnasium would be packed to witness his 
next conquest. As an adult, raising his own family in Milford, Bill 
organized the Milford Raiders Football Program and started a Wrestling 
Clinic for young athletes. Through these programs, Bill has helped to 
instill in hundreds of our young people the value of team work, 
practice, camaraderie, sportsmanship, and commitment to excellence--
skills that will serve these young people well as they begin to leave 
their own mark on the world.
  The difference that Bill has made in the lives of others is 
immeasurable. However, what he means to this community is reflected in 
the faces of all of those who have gathered this evening to pay him 
tribute and support him in his time of need. Bill has been struggling 
with lung cancer for some eighteen months now. I have no doubt that 
Bill will win his battle--if nothing else, Bill is a fighter, 
determined to regain his health and to continue his work in our 
community.
  For the many invaluable contributions he has made and his lifetime of 
service to the community, I am proud to stand today and extend my 
deepest thanks and appreciation to William ``Bill'' Coelho. My very 
best wishes to Bill, his wife, Deb, and his son, Zachary as they share 
this very special evening of friendship and support.

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