[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 67 (Thursday, May 6, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PETER A. REILLY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 2010

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of Peter A. Reilly of Connecticut who passed away on April 26, 
2010.
  Peter Reilly, or the ``Commish'' as he was called to those who knew 
him best, was a giant in the Connecticut Labor Movement. Peter joined 
the Iron Workers Local #15 in 1951. After 12 years as a member, Peter 
took on the role of Business Agent in 1963 before retiring as the 
Financial Secretary-Treasurer and Business Manager after 35 years of 
tireless service. Peter always stood up for the little guy, and he 
never wavered in the fight to protect the interests of Connecticut's 
working men and women.
  Peter was also a dedicated public servant. He was a member of the 
U.S. Army and Merchant Marines, and served our nation honorably during 
World War II. In his later years he served in a variety of posts on 
various state boards and committees during the administrations of 
Governors Dempsey, Meskill, Grasso and O'Neill, carrying his belief in 
fair wages and standards for the working men and women he cared so 
deeply about. He later served as Deputy Commissioner and then 
Commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Labor under Governor 
Ella Grasso. On a personal note, I had the privilege to meet 
Commissioner Reilly as a newly elected state representative in 1987 and 
he was extremely kind and helpful to me. I learned a lot from him and 
became his friend for life.
  While his dedication to his union brothers and sisters was never far 
from his mind, it was Peter's family that defined his life. While long 
days on the job often kept him away from home, his beloved wife Ruby, 
who stood by him for 54 years, including on the day he passed, his son 
Ed and his daughters Marie and Ruby, were never far from his thoughts. 
He is survived by them and his sister Marge Stempkowski, as well as six 
grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, the working men and women of Connecticut have lost a 
great champion, and many like myself have lost a dear friend. I ask 
that all members join me in honoring the life and service of the 
``Commish'', Peter A. Reilly.

                          ____________________