[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        A TRIBUTE TO TOM LEDERER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Tom Lederer. A lifelong resident of Philadelphia who gave much to 
the community, Tom was called by his Creator on Thursday March 22nd.
  Thomas John Lederer was born on September 29, 1934 in Philadelphia to 
a family that believed in the principles of democratic government and 
civil service. His father Miles served as both Chair of the Democratic 
Party in Philadelphia and as a state legislator. His brothers Raymond 
and Bill would also serve in the legislature, with Ray becoming a 
member of Congress. Tom's brother Miles headed the local Riggers Union, 
while his brother Fran was the Chief of the County Detectives. Tom 
spent a lifetime serving as an inspector with the Philadelphia Water 
Department and raising kids, first his own six and then sixteen 
grandchildren. He also served the community as Boy Scout leader, 
community organizer and educator.
  He was an active member of his Church, St. Michael's Roman Catholic, 
and his community. He was a Board Member of the Roman Catholic Alumni 
Association, Past President of the St. Joseph Prep Father's Club, 
Chairman of Kensington South Neighborhood Advisory Committee, Boy Scout 
Master of Troop 488, Member of the Horticultural Society of 
Philadelphia and Penn State's Gardening Progress program, winner of a 
``Black Eye'' community award, but most of all he was ``Pop'' to his 
sixteen grandchildren.
  However, in his mind, his most proud association was being Rita 
Lavery's husband. Born two days apart, they were married for 56 years 
and friends for 70 of his 77 years. They started kindergarten at St. 
Michaels on the same day and were classmates and pals thereafter.
  Together with Tom's wife, Rita, his six children, his sixteen 
grandchildren, and all his family and friends, I mourn his passing but 
celebrate his life.

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