[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 184 (Thursday, December 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   REMEMBERING DENNIS REZENDES, NATION'S FIRST HOSPICE ADMINISTRATOR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 17, 2015

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, our nation lost a giant 
in the world of health care. Dennis Rezendes, one of the original 
creators of hospice care, passed away in June at his home, surrounded 
by family and friends and with care from the program he helped 
establish.
  The son of second-generation immigrant parents, Dennis was born in 
Fall River, Massachusetts and grew up during the Great Depression. 
Enlisting in the United States Air Force following his graduation from 
high school, Dennis served his country with honor and distinction for 
six years during which time, as a Grand Control Approach operator, he 
was involved in the U.S. side of the Berlin Airlift. Following his 
honorable discharge, he attended the University of Maine where he 
graduated in 1957 with honors and a Bachelor of Science Degree in 
Public Management. He went on to earn his Master of Government 
Administration degree from the Wharton School of Business and Finance 
and the Fels Institute of Local and State government at the University 
of Pennsylvania.
  Among his many professional endeavors, Dennis served former New Haven 
Mayor Richard Lee as the Director of Administration and Budget Officer. 
It was during his time with the Lee Administration that I first got to 
know Dennis. He played an integral role in the rejuvenation of the City 
of New Haven, helping to initiate innovative programs designed to 
improve the physical and social state of the city and its residents.
  Dennis' true passion was realized in 1974 when he joined a small 
group of doctors and nurses to create the first program of hospice care 
in the United States along with the construction of the first American 
hospice facility located in Branford, Connecticut. Dennis went on to 
found the National Hospice Organization where he served as its first 
Executive Director. He played a critical leadership role in the 
enactment of Medicare and Medicaid legislation and private insurance 
payment for hospice care as well as the enactment of innovative health 
legislation in Connecticut related to hospice care that was replicated 
in many other states.
  His pioneering efforts were recognized by Presidents Carter and 
Reagan, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Thomas ``Tip'' 
O'Neill, Senators Edward ``Ted'' Kennedy and Robert Dole as well as 
many others. Dennis' last effort in the hospice movement was the co-
creation of Community Hospice Care in Anaheim Hills, California which 
grew to become the second largest program of hospice care in the 
country. Retiring in 1994, it is an understatement to say that Dennis 
left an indelible mark on our nation's health care system.
  Above all else, Dennis was a deeply devoted family man. I extend my 
deepest sympathies to his wife, Beau; his daughter, Cheryl, and her 
husband Alan; his son Michael; his two stepsons Shane Hobart, and his 
wife Heather, and Seth, and his wife Nicole, as well as his six 
grandchildren August, Brook, Grace, Ethan, Eligh, and Jax.
  Dennis Rezendes was an extraordinary man whose compassion and strong 
desire to make a difference changed the face of how we care for the 
terminally ill and their families in their last days. I consider myself 
fortunate to have known him and, like so many others, remain inspired 
by his vision and leadership. His is a legacy that will continue to 
touch the lives of those most in need for generations to come.

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