[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 179 (Thursday, December 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN MEMORY OF MR. TONY HADDAD OF PEORIA, ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 10, 2015

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I commemorate the life of Mr. Tony Haddad, a 
restauranteur and local icon of Peoria, Illinois, who passed away this 
past Saturday at the age of 78.
  Immigrating to Peoria from Lebanon in 1977, Mr. Haddad and his family 
arrived in the United States with only thirty dollars in his pocket. 
Although far from home, Haddad brought his culture to life through the 
food he sold from a pushcart in downtown Peoria for almost 35 years, 
which he later expanded into his own local restaurant. Mr. Haddad was 
the personification of the American dream.
  His empathy and generosity made those who visited his food cart and 
restaurant not only his patrons, but his friends. Tony was always 
charitable, giving a meal to someone even if he knew they would not be 
able to repay him and, and he made time to listen to his customers' 
problems.
  Alongside his work, the cornerstone to Haddad's life was the love and 
friendship of his wife of 60 years, Loreece. Together, they came to 
America and created their own legacy, raising six children, 18 
grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
  Although he will be greatly missed, he will be remembered fondly and 
remain an icon of the 18th District.

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