[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A TRIBUTE TO DAVID STARR AND HIS DISTINGUISHED CAREER IN JOURNALISM

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2014

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great personal satisfaction that I 
pay tribute to a remarkable individual who has spent more than 70 years 
working in the only profession that ever mattered to him: journalism. 
David Starr knew he wanted to be in the newspaper business when he was 
in the fifth grade, and since then, he has gone on to have a long and 
distinguished career with the Newhouse publications. He has been a 
reporter, an editor, a publisher and a president; performing each task 
with enthusiasm and great skill. To me, he is the quintessential 
newspaperman, bringing passion, integrity and devotion to his beloved 
craft. More importantly, I am proud to call him my friend.
  As much as David Starr enjoys his day job, he has another keen 
interest, and that is making western Massachusetts a better place to 
live, work and raise a family. Since I first met him in 1977, few 
people have done more to improve the quality of life in the Pioneer 
Valley. Under his leadership, downtown Springfield experienced an 
unprecedented rebirth. He encouraged the public and private sectors to 
work together to bring economic development and jobs to the region. The 
Monarch Building, the Sheraton Hotel, the Bank of Boston Building and a 
new state-of-the-art high speed color press are all living proof of his 
tireless efforts. He had a vision for our community and it was 
realized. But knowing David Starr, I am certain that he believes his 
work is far from complete.
  It should not come as a surprise that he used to read 13 New York 
newspapers every day in his youth. A born journalist with a curious 
mind, David got his start with the Long Island Press in 1940. That is 
where his lifelong partnership with the Newhouse family began. They 
recognized his talents and he quickly rose through the ranks. Following 
his service in the Army, he returned to the paper where he would 
eventually become its senior editor. His hard work was rewarded once 
again when the Newhouse family sent him to Massachusetts to run the 
Springfield Republican. He has been in his corner office at 1860 Main 
Street ever since.
  Besides his fondness for the newspaper business, the other constant 
in David's life has been his wife Peggy. For more than a half century 
they have been a formidable team. Their philanthropic efforts and 
willingness to give back to our community is legendary. If you have 
heard the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, visited our extraordinary 
museums, listed to public radio or watched WGBY, you can thank David 
and Peggy Starr. They have continually invested in our cultural 
institutions and helped make a difference in the place we call home.
  As his friends and colleagues gather together in Springfield this 
week, I want to join them in thanking David for many years of 
friendship. For eight decades, you have been a fixture in the newsrooms 
of America. You have encouraged your writers and informed your readers. 
Both you and Peggy have generously given your time and resources for 
the betterment of others. And the lasting contributions you have made 
to our community will never be forgotten. On behalf of the United 
States of House of Representatives, let me congratulate you on a job 
well done.

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