[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 138 (Thursday, September 24, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1342-E1343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM C. ``BILL'' LUOMA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2015

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember and honor the 
life of William C. ``Bill'' Luoma, a native of Warren, Ohio, who passed 
away on the 17th of August, 2015 at his daughter's home, surrounded by 
his loving family. Born in Warren, Ohio on April 11, 1939, to Wilmar 
and Maxine Luoma Bill lived a full life of service in the United States 
military and as a Union leader in the steel industry.
   After living in Tucson, Arizona as a child, Bill enlisted in the 
U.S. Air Force at the age of 18 and attended Amarillo AFB Jet Engine 
School in Amarillo, Texas. Bill also served two years with the United 
States Marine Corps before starting a 30 year career with Republic 
Steel Corporation. Bill exemplified the life of a workman's ally by 
serving as a Worker's Compensation representative and later in 
retirement as President of the Steelworkers Organization of Active 
Retirees, Chapter 1-28-5. A

[[Page E1343]]

leader in the Union community, he helped organize rallies in 
Washington, DC fighting for workers' rights, Medicare, and Social 
Security, and in 2004 spoke on senior health issues at the 2004 
Democratic National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts.
   Bill is remembered by his loving family as a passionate story and 
joke teller with interests in bowling, painting, drawing, antiques, and 
furniture refinishing. His excellent memory for Geography and History 
was accompanied by a love and passion for his Finnish background. As a 
member of the Catholic Church, Bill attended the services of Father 
Gusper at St. Stephens Church in Niles, Ohio.
   Bill was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sister, 
Judy Dennison, son, Timothy Luoma, and grandson, Isaiah Luoma. He is 
survived by his wife, Janice Macchia Luoma, whom he married on August 
12, 1988. He is also survived by daughters, Jill Luoma, Lori Luoma, 
Elizabeth Luoma, step-daughter, Crystal Zimomra; sons, Raymond Luoma 
and William Luoma; he was Grandpa to Ryan Maki, Papiou to Zachary 
Brewer, and Landon Zimomra; Grandpa to Erica Maki, and Kristia Luoma. 
He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Emilee, Paisley, Trenton 
and Brailin Moore.
   I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bill Luoma, such a dedicated and 
strong servant of the American armed forces, his fellow workmen and 
women, and his family. He will be remembered and celebrated as a 
Warren, Ohio community leader and it is my honor to recognize his life 
here today.

                          ____________________