[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 14 (Friday, January 27, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E95]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO MR. LEON A. THOMPSON'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ADRIANO ESPAILLAT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 27, 2017

  Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the celebration 
of Mr. Leon A. Thompson's 100th birthday. With nearly a century 
passing, Mr. Thompson has dedicated his life to his family, St. Mark's 
the Evangelist Catholic Church, the City of New York, and giving back 
to his Harlem community.
  Mr. Thompson was born on January 28, 1917 in Washington, D.C. At 18 
years old, Mr. Thompson and his three sisters moved to New York City 
where he has lived since. For 32 years, Mr. Thompson operated the 
Number 3 and other train lines comprising the original A Division of 
the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT). These lines later became 
incorporated into the modern day New York City Transportation 
Authority. As a subway motorman for over three decades, he contributed 
to an era of growth and modernization of a thriving, welcoming and 
inclusive New York City.
  Throughout his life, Mr. Thompson has dedicated all the time and 
effort he could exert for St. Mark's the Evangelist Catholic Church in 
Harlem over the last 82 years. This makes him one of the longest 
practicing parishioners to the church and an indelible figure serving 
on many boards and ministries. Mr. Thompson has known and worked with 
every pastor in St. Mark's the Evangelist Catholic Church during its 
109-year history. For a time, Mr. Thompson worked as an electrician at 
the Brooklyn Navy Yard. When his work day ended he spent his remaining 
time working to improve St. Mark's the Evangelist Catholic Church 
installing a public announcement system, lighting system, and 
refurbishing the pews for the benefit of parishioners and students of 
St. Mark's the Evangelist School whose space was shared.
  In his spare time, Mr. Thompson taught many young men in his church 
and community commercial, labor and vocational skills that they 
employed building and improving New York City. Mr. Thompson has 
dedicated his life to his fellow parishioners at St. Mark's the 
Evangelist Catholic Church, his neighbors and residents of Harlem, and 
New York City for 82 years. His contributions to the Harlem community 
and New York City has made him a role model for all persons, regardless 
of creed or affiliation, as a public servant and exemplary citizen.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the time to recognize and 
celebrate the tremendous life of Mr. Leon A. Thompson and his 100th 
birthday celebration.

                          ____________________