[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BILL STANLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart today to honor 
the life and legacy of Bill Stanley, an icon in eastern Connecticut, 
who passed away Sunday, April 18, 2010, at the age of 80.
  Stanley was a graduate of Norwich Free Academy and attended the New 
York School of Modern Photography before joining the United States 
Marine Corps. He returned to civilian life and joined with his brother 
Jim to co-host the WICH morning radio program. Later he became a 
stockbroker and published author.
  The impact that Bill Stanley had on Norwich, Connecticut and its 
residents was profound. He delighted readers with his newspaper columns 
titled, ``Once Upon A Time'' which related countless stories of local 
lore and history to generations of readers in our area. No one 
individual had a better grasp on the issues and shared history that 
defined our region than Bill Stanley. He was also one of the most 
dedicated public servants of his time. He served two terms in the 
Connecticut State Senate and ran, albeit unsuccessfully, for the 
Congressional seat I am honored to hold today. While his career as an 
elected politician may have ended early on, his service to his fellow 
man continued until the day he died. Bill was active in a number of 
causes, raising money and supporting William Backus Hospital, Norwich 
Free Academy, St. Jude's Common, the Norwich Diocese and his beloved 
Norwich Historical Society which he founded. As everyone in Norwich 
knows, there wasn't a single major event in recent memory in which Bill 
was not involved.
  Along with his love of Norwich, it was his love of history that 
perhaps motivated Bill most of all. He would regale countless school-
children and adults alike with tales of Benedict Arnold and Samuel 
Huntington. Stanley even gained national attention with his efforts to 
preserve the legacy of Huntington, who served as President of the 
Continental Congress. While Stanley may have been ultimately 
unsuccessful in the effort to establish Huntington as our Nation's 
first President, he was able to raise more than a $100,000 and public 
awareness about the importance of Huntington's role in American 
history.
  Bill Stanley was an institution in the State of Connecticut and his 
memory will live on in the hearts and minds of the people he touched. 
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his beloved wife Margaret, his 
children William, Carol, and Mary, as well as his grandchildren. Madam 
Speaker, I ask that all Members of the House join me in honoring the 
life and legacy of Bill Stanley.

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