[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E579-E580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FRANK McCOY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
the life and legacy of former Vernon, Connecticut, Mayor Frank J. 
McCoy. Frank passed away on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at the age of 87.
  Frank was a monumental figure in his beloved town of Vernon. His 
lifetime of public service began early, serving as an enlisted man in 
The U.S. Army for 3 years and attaining the rank of sergeant. As a 
medic, he saw combat in the European Theater of World War II and fought 
in the Battle of the Bulge. While this contribution alone would have 
enshrined him forever as a public hero, Frank chose to continue serving 
his community for decades.
  After the war, Frank pursued his education. He graduated from Yale 
University in 1949 and the University of Connecticut School of Law in 
1956. He practiced law for 54 years and served as attorney for the 
Vernon Fire District during its consolidation with the City of 
Rockville in forming the Town of Vernon. After two terms on the Vernon 
Town Council, Frank was first elected Mayor of Vernon in 1969, where he 
served three consecutive terms. In 1977, he was again elected to a 
fourth and final term and was the President of the Connecticut 
Conference of Mayors. Simultaneously, he somehow found time to work as 
a service officer for the Soldier Sailors Marine Fund for over 40 years 
helping wartime veterans who were in need of financial assistance.

[[Page E580]]

  Frank often found ways to combine his love for his community with his 
love of team sports. In 1960, he formed the Vernon Midget Football 
League, which eventually led to the creation of the Rockville High 
School football team. For over 40 years, he coached recreational 
basketball, baseball, and football in Vernon. In 1965, he formed and 
sponsored the Vernon Orioles semi-pro baseball team, who won the 
Greater Hartford Twilight League playoff title in 1996. For Frank, it 
must have been a truly heartwarming achievement.
  Frank has now joined his wife Jeanette, who passed away last year. He 
is survived by his five children and four grandchildren who, like the 
rest of us, remember him as an exceptional family man, patriot, public 
servant and sports enthusiast. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to 
join with me and my constituents in celebrating Frank McCoy's life and 
offering condolences to his family.

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