[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 52 (Monday, April 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CARMELA TRIPPI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 13, 2015

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Carmela Trippi, a stalwart supporter of the Democratic Party, who 
passed away on April 2, 2015 at the age of 105. A beloved voice in 
Western New York politics, Mrs. Trippi's commitment helped shape our 
region in a positive way.
   Mrs. Trippi's passion for democratic values began in the 1940's 
where she advocated on behalf of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. 
She went on to become an influential committeewoman for the Democratic 
Party. In her early political life she contributed to President John F. 
Kennedy and New York Senator Robert F. Kennedy campaigns and she then 
became the founder of the Jacqueline Kennedy Woman's Democratic Club, 
and served as president for over fifty years.
   Mrs. Trippi was a prominent voice in the Western New York community. 
She had ties to former Mayor of Buffalo, Frank Sedita and Former 
Congressman of Western New York, Henry Nowak. Mrs. Trippi helped 
influence sweeping change while serving on Congressman Nowak's staff 
for eighteen years. She also served on the staff of current New York 
Court of Appeals Judge Eugene Fahey while he was a Buffalo Common 
Council member.
   Mrs. Trippi signified her place in Western New York Political 
history by working first hand with voters, knocking on doors in the 
community. Her passion for campaigning never faded. She would go door 
to door even into her 90's and never wavered in her commitment and 
support as an Erie County Democratic Committee member.
   Mrs. Trippi's work in Western New York has not gone unrecognized. In 
2004 she was nominated for the Western New York Women's Hall of Fame. 
While her milestone birthdays were always recognized by the community, 
her 99th birthday was honored by the Erie County Legislature. Mrs. 
Trippi will be remembered fondly by all members of the Western New York 
community and recalled for her passion and commitment to Democratic 
values. Mrs. Trippi believed politics are an essential aspect of life 
and urged all involved to be genuine and compassionate while serving 
the public.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to honor Mrs. Carmela Trippi. 
I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our deepest condolences to 
her family and friends. Her good work and selfless devotion to Western 
New York will inspire many others to stand behind their principles and 
be involved in their communities.

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