[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF JOHN M. GILLIS OF QUINCY, MA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 29, 2011

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of John M. Gillis, in 
recognition of his outstanding contributions to his hometown of Quincy, 
Massachusetts, and to commend him for over fifty years of dedicated 
service to his community.
  John was born on May 16, 1925, in Quincy, Massachusetts. He graduated 
from Quincy High School in 1942, where he served as captain of his 
football team. Subsequent to his graduation, John enlisted in the 
United States Marine Corp. He served with distinction in the South 
Pacific during World War II from 1943-1946. Upon completion of his 
service, John enrolled at Northeastern University, graduating in 1951. 
He served as captain of the 1950 Northeastern Football Team.
  Upon graduation, John served as a Quincy firefighter, and then worked 
in the office of the state auditor. He was appointed Assistant Quincy 
City Clerk in 1957, and served until 1959. Additionally, John was the 
Chairman of the Registrar of Voters in 1959. He then served as Quincy 
City Clerk from 1959-1992. John was elected Norfolk County Commissioner 
in 1992, a position he holds to this day.
  John is also an active member of his community. He served as Clerk of 
the Quincy City Council from 1959-1992; Chairman of the Licensing Board 
from 1963-1992, and currently serves as Trustee at the Norfolk 
Agricultural School, a position he has held since 1992. He is a member 
of the Quincy High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and is Grand Knight at 
the Ave Maria Knights of Columbus.
  Known for his quick sense of humor and for his loyalty to his 
friends, John has had the good fortune to be married to his wife, 
Violet, for fifty-nine years. They are the proud parents of two 
children and three grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the floor of the House 
today to join with the family, friends, and contemporaries of John M. 
Gillis to thank him for his remarkable service to his hometown of 
Quincy, Massachusetts, and to the United States of America.

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