[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 97 (Tuesday, July 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF STEVEN PEZENIK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 9, 2013

  Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and 
service of Steven Pezenik, who passed away at age 57 on May 26, 2013 
after a long battle with cancer.
  Steven Pezenik began his distinguished career as a Consumer Service 
Specialist with the New York State Public Service Commission, where he 
served with distinction for 14 years. He then joined United Way New 
York City/AFL-CIO as a Constituent Liaison, before moving on to the 
United Food and Commercial Workers/Retail Wholesale Department Store 
Union. There, he proudly served the working men and women of Local 338 
as Director of Special Projects, coordinating the local's public 
relations, and writing in and editing a quarterly newspaper. In his 
most recent position as Deputy Director of Constituent Services for New 
York State Senator Jose Peralta, Steve acted as a liaison between 
government agencies to help secure services for constituents.
  Mr. Speaker, Steven Pezenik was a tireless public servant and 
advocate for the underserved and most in need. He helped raise over $11 
million for The United Way and organized AFL-CIO toy, blood, and food 
drives, including a large-scale effort after September 11, 2001. With 
work that spanned almost three decades, he exemplified the meaning of 
public service. As a board member of the Queens Jewish Community 
Council, Steve always put first those most in need. Steve's commitment 
to working families functioned as the foundation for his activism and 
commitment to social justice.
  The legacy he leaves behind reflects the love he had for his 
community. Yet, nothing was more important to Steve than his love for 
his family, his wife Lisa and daughter Sasha.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to join me now in honoring Steven Pezenik for his 
service to the people of Queens County, New York City and New York 
State.

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