[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF FRANCIS E. CIRILLO III

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2016

  Ms. ESTY. Mr Speaker, last weekend, the State of Connecticut lost a 
true champion, and I lost a friend, with the unexpected passing of 
Francis E. Cirillo III. A lifetime Waterbury resident, Frank passed 
away just days before his 56th birthday.
  A graduate of Wilby High School, Frank proudly served our country in 
the U.S. Navy during the Cold War. He served aboard the USS Ranger from 
1978 to 1982 and earned the rank of Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class. He was 
awarded the Naval Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary 
Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
  After his military service, Frank returned home to Waterbury where he 
began his civilian career at Connecticut Light and Power (now known as 
Northeast Utilities). Frank fell in love with Milena, his wife of 31 
years, and together they raised a wonderful family, which he was 
immensely proud of--as anyone who spent time in Frank's office 
immediately learned through photos and mementos.
  After 20 years at Northeast Utilities, Frank became a full-time union 
official in March 2004. He was famous and admired for his strong 
advocacy for the members of International Brotherhood of Electrical 
Workers (IBEW) Local 420 in Waterbury. Frank's outspokenness and 
passion served him well in his positions with the CT AFL-CIO, the 
Western CT Central Labor Council, the New England Utility Council, and 
the Local 420's COPE. His commitment to working families helped ensure 
that they received the services, benefits, and recognition they 
deserved. In 2013, he received the Paul A. Loughran Memorial Award for 
Outstanding Leadership.
  Frank was frequently recognized for his hard work and community 
service. He was actively involved in civic and charitable 
organizations, serving as Waterbury's Good Jobs Liaison Commissioner, a 
member of the Waterbury Democratic Town Committee, and a member of 
Waterbury's American Italian Civic Club. He was honored in 2014 by the 
Waterbury Veterans Memorial Committee for his outstanding service to 
the city, state, and nation.
  And I also note that Frank was frequently ``recognized' as Al 
Pacino--his resemblance to the famous actor was so striking that Frank 
proudly hung a large Godfather poster behind his desk. Frank will be 
sorely missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know him. His 
contributions to the City of Waterbury and the State of Connecticut 
will not be forgotten. My heart and condolences go out to his family 
and friends as we remember the legacy and the glorious life of Frank 
Cirillo.
  On a personal note, I will miss Frank's friendship, his directness, 
his guidance, and his love of life. He inspired and challenged me in 
all the best ways. And it simply will not be October without chilly 
Saturday morning door knocking with Frank. It's hard to imagine that 
Frank is not still with us--passionately advocating for working 
families, cracking jokes, and freely offering his assessment of anyone 
who he believed to be ``full of it.''
  I have no doubt that Frank is stirring things up in heaven, letting 
St. Peter know exactly what he thinks.

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