[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 119 (Monday, August 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE PASSING OF FORMER WASHINGTON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, CHIEF CLERK, 
                              VITO CHIECHI

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 1, 2011

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Vito Chiechi--a friend, father, public servant and a political fixture 
in Washington State.
  Anyone who worked in Olympia during Vito's tenure there remembers him 
as a diligent man, with a kind heart, fun-loving nature, smart nature, 
and a wealth of ideas. Vito, a first generation Italian-American, was 
born in Seattle, Washington in 1925 and grew up in Rainier Valley. His 
public service began in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he 
served in the Pacific Theater aboard the destroyers McKee and Plunkett.
  After the war, he returned to his native Washington, graduated from 
Seattle University with a Bachelor of Finance and married his 
sweetheart, Dolores. They were happily married for 52 years, had 9 
children, 24 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
  Vito had a vibrant and distinguished career that matched his larger 
than life personality. He worked for The Boeing Company for 20 years, 
served as the Regional Administrator for the General Services 
Administration and Chief Clerk for the Washington State House of 
Representatives. Always the entrepreneur, Vito founded his own public 
affairs and government relations company.
  During these tough economic times, we could learn a great deal from 
Vito. A dear friend of his and mine, Alan Hayworth, recounted the time 
Vito served as Chief Clerk and the state was in the midst of a tough 
economic crisis. Vito instituted his own 10 percent across the board 
cuts. When vendors submitted invoices, Vito would only pay 90 percent 
of the bill and write back a nice note, ``thanking them for 
participating in the House budget reduction program.''
  We all learned valuable political lessons from him as well, lessons 
that can be applied today. Vito was a true patriot, placing his love 
for America above partisan politics. Because of Vito's warmth and 
personality he was able to transcend party lines, and had a unique 
ability to bring people together on common ground issues. Remarkably, 
Vito held prominent positions for Democratic and Republican officials 
alike. He hosted the state famous bi-partisan pasta dinners for state 
legislators and local elected officials. His daughter, also named 
Dolores, remarked that he was fond of saying, ``I don't care what you 
are, just be something!''
  Despite suffering a stroke in 1997, Vito refused to retire, or even 
slow down. Although he was confined to a wheelchair, he continued to 
frequent the Capitol and throw his famous pasta dinners until his 
passing on Tuesday July 26, 2011.
  Vito's joy for living was never compromised and just three days 
before his death he celebrated his 86th birthday. Vito's ability to 
bring people together will undoubtedly be part of his legacy, as 
Members of both parties express their sorrow at his passing.
  Mr. Speaker, Vito Chiechi's life of joy and service is worthy of 
tribute. As we remember Vito's life, we recognize that the sadness we 
feel is only for ourselves, at the loss of our friend. While the world 
has lost one of its bright lights, our dear friend has finally taken a 
well-earned retirement, and has been reunited with Dolores Audrey, his 
first love, and wife of 52 years.

                          ____________________