[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 15 (Monday, January 30, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E99]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF BEN RUSSO

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                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 30, 2017

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Ben 
Russo. When Ben passed away one year ago today, Elkhart lost a devoted 
member of the community, and I lost a good friend.
  Ben found great success in the private sector, working in various 
sales and management positions, including as vice president of E.J. 
Nagy and Associates. In retirement, Ben became quite active in the 
community, being elected to the Osolo Township Board and later becoming 
the Trustee of Osolo Township. He sat on the boards of The Boys and 
Girls Club of Elkhart, Council of Aging, and Riverview Adult Day Care 
Center. Finally, he was vice president of Elkhart Vintage Auto Club and 
president of Glenwood Park Civic Association, as well as an active 
member of Elkhart Trinity United Methodist Church.
  Always looking to give back to the community that he loved, Ben 
became a household name in Elkhart as someone who would do his best to 
help those in need. In the Trustee's office, he worked tirelessly on 
behalf of Osolo Township residents, and was determined to treat 
everyone with respect. Even when out with his beloved family, he would 
find people he knew and could help, and he would drop everything to see 
that their needs were met.
  As a recognition of his service to the community, Ben was honored 
with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the highest civilian 
honor bestowed by the State of Indiana. Despite his distinguished 
career and place in the community, Ben was a humble and kind man. Today 
Elkhart is better for his public service, and his legacy of hard work 
and giving back to the community will not be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the life of Ben Russo and his service 
to the northern Indiana community. His passion for helping others 
strengthened Elkhart and improved the lives of everyone he knew. I am 
honored to ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating his life and 
recognizing his outstanding public service.

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