[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 135 (Friday, September 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF RICHARD DUDA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 18, 2015

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and remember the 
life of Richard Duda of Griswold, Connecticut who passed away late last 
week. Dick was a fixture in Griswold, where he lived all his life with 
his wife Barbara and their two children. He was the quintessential 
``citizen'' who believed giving back to the community was his duty. He 
served five terms in the Connecticut State Legislature representing the 
58th district and as the Town Attorney for Griswold for many years.
  Dick was a lifelong Democrat, and served as the Chairman of the 
Griswold Democratic Town Committee for over 30 years. Outside of 
government, he was a board member at the local library, a member of St. 
Mary's Church, and a member of the board of directors for Jewett City 
Savings Bank. His involvement in local government and advocacy was 
extensive, and his capacity to help was boundless. Dick saw his local 
law practice as a way to give back to the Griswold community. He 
embodied the ideal of the profession, serving as a resource and 
advocate for his neighbors--often taking cases that others would have 
passed over or accepting rates far lower than average for the time. His 
goal was to serve as a resource and as a true community lawyer. The law 
was his calling, and his passion.
  In politics and law, fields that can turn acrimonious, Dick was a 
true gentleman. He stayed above any bitterness, and his friends recall 
how he remained polite and deferential. His amiable manner, dedication 
to his community, and upbeat attitude will be sorely missed in 
Griswold. I ask my colleagues to please join me in offering our 
condolences to his wife Barbara, his son Christopher, and grandchildren 
Cameron, Caitlyn and Gavin.

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