[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF DONALD LEE BEAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Mr. Donald Lee Bean, a devoted husband, father and friend. His life 
reflected his love for family and friends and an unwavering dedication 
to journalism.
  Mr. Bean grew up in Northfield as one of five boys. He served for 
four years in the U.S. Air Force, and then he enrolled at Kent State 
University, where he graduated in 1954. He worked for several Cleveland 
news outlets, including the Cleveland Press, Cleveland News and a 
number of radio stations before joining the Plain Dealer in 1961. As a 
reporter for the `PD,' Mr. Bean covered all sections of the paper, 
including crime, City Hall happenings, courts, feature articles, 
general assignments and obituaries. He also held the title of Assistant 
City Editor and for decades was deeply connected to the inner circles 
within Cleveland's political and social scenes. Thanks to his 
experience and knowledge, Mr. Bean was the reporter who uncovered 
stories that no one else could break.
  Mr. Bean was a colorful character known for his humor, wit and 
kindness. He was also known as a great mentor and friend to colleagues. 
Mr. Bean covered the major stories that helped shape the history of 
Cleveland, including the Hough and Glenville Riots and the Dr. Sam 
Sheppard murder trial. Mr. Bean was relentless in his pursuit of the 
truth; his reporting consistently demonstrated honesty, integrity and 
fairness. In 1983, he selflessly shared his own personal struggles with 
alcohol in a piece he wrote for the Plain Dealer, giving hope and 
inspiration to countless readers. He was also a lifelong blood donor.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Mr. Donald Lee Bean. I offer my condolences to his wife, Olga; to 
his daughter, Nadine; to his sons, Matthew and Scott; to his six 
granddaughters and one great-granddaughter; and to his many extended 
family members and numerous friends. Mr. Bean lived his life with a 
generous heart and love for family and friends. He will always be 
remembered by those who knew and loved him, and I count myself as one 
those who loved him.

                          ____________________