[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E554-E555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF EDWARD T. ``FITZY'' FITZPATRICK OF BOSTON, MA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 2015

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Edward T. ``Fitzy'' 
Fitzpatrick, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the 
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 2222 of Boston, 
MA, and to commend him for over fifty years of dedicated service to the 
working men and women of this community.
  The son of Joseph and Ann Fitzpatrick of Mattapan, Edward was born in 
Boston and lived in Mattapan. Edward attended St. Margaret's School in 
Dorchester, MA and graduated from Hyde Park High School. During high 
school and after graduation, Ed began his career at New England 
Telephone. His career at New England Telephone was put on hold while he 
honorably and bravely served in Vietnam.
  Upon completion of his distinguished service to our country, Ed 
continued working for New England Telephone and began to gain the 
respect and admiration of his co-workers while fighting for their 
rights on the job. His leadership skills were evident and he was 
instrumental in the achievements of the IBTW and helped form the 
foundation for the move from the independent IBTW to the International 
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the charter of Local 2222. Local 
2222 became well-known in the local labor movement and in political 
circles in Boston's working-class neighborhoods.
  Ed held many positions in Local 2222 for many years including shop 
steward, chief steward, vice president and business agent. He became 
president of the Local in 1991 and held that position for 24 years 
until his retirement in March of 2015.
  He is well-known for fiercely leading Local 2222 and 60,000 workers 
through a four month strike in 1989 that was one of the largest and 
most contentious union/management battles in decades. From the back of 
a pick-up truck with a loudspeaker, Ed motivated thousands to stand 
strong on the picket line and to battle for their rights and their 
families through one of the most successful strikes in U.S. history 
with his hallmark saying ``Hang Tough.'' The striking workers in 1989 
successfully resisted management demands and won health care coverage 
for all telephone workers in Boston.
  Aside from being a fierce union leader, Ed is mostly known for his 
incredible dedication to those afflicted by drug and alcohol addiction. 
A legendary figure in Local 2222's ``Membership Assistance'' program, 
Ed's personal interventions and time has saved the lives, marriages, 
and phone company careers of countless workers caught in the grip of 
substance abuse. He has devoted his own personal time, day and night, 
to families and individuals struggling with addiction. He believes the 
most valuable thing you can give to another human being is your time 
and Fitzy makes the time for anyone in need. He not only works with the 
members of his union and their families but also spends three nights a 
week visiting and bringing the message of hope to the incarcerated in 
three local prisons.

[[Page E555]]

  Mr. Speaker, Fitzy is known for his diligent service to others from 
all walks of life. Ed was a recipient of the Caring Hearts Award from 
The Gavin Foundation in South Boston. He was also recognized as the 
Volunteer of the Year for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department 
of Correction at the State House for his tireless years of service to 
incarcerated individuals.
  Ed has had the good fortune to be married to his wife, Joanne for 45 
years; they are the proud parents of three children and ten 
grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the floor of the House 
today to join with Edward T. ``Fitzy'' Fitzpatrick's family, friends, 
and contemporaries to thank him for his remarkable service to his 
country, his community and to the working men and women of the Greater 
Boston area.

                          ____________________