[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING MAYOR JOHN FORD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize and remember the 
life of former Hazleton Mayor John Ford, a well known member of the 
community. Mayor Ford passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2014 after a long 
and distinguished career of public and civil service.
  Prior to serving as mayor of Hazleton, Mayor Ford was the founder and 
owner of John Ford Trucking and the Hazleton Standard Fuel Co., a small 
company that continues to service the Hazleton area to this day. Beyond 
his role as a small business owner, Mayor Ford was very active in the 
area. He was a member of the Hazleton Elks, West Hazleton Lions, and 
was on the board of numerous charitable organizations. Mayor Ford 
continued to serve on multiple committees at the local, state, and 
federal level after completing his term as mayor.
  During his tenure as mayor from 1986-1987, Mayor Ford saw the city of 
Hazleton change from a commission form of mayor to a strong mayor form, 
finishing his last two years of government as a member of the city 
council from 1988-1989. He is remembered by all who knew him as a hard 
working and generous man committed to making Hazleton a better city.
  My sincerest condolences go out to his wife Rose, who survives him, 
as well as his sisters Marie and Ida, brother Robert, and several 
nieces and nephews.

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