[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 99 (Thursday, June 14, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MR. JOSEPH HARPER, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2018

  Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart 
to honor the life of Mr. Joseph Harper, Jr. and recognize his 
contributions to the State of Connecticut and the Town of New Britain. 
Joe passed away on May 20, 2018 at the age of 70 after a long life of 
dedicated service to his community.
  Joe was born and raised in New Britain, Connecticut and was a 
lifelong public servant to our state. After graduating from the 
University of Connecticut, Joe obtained a Master's Degree in Public 
Administration and later earned another Master's Degree in 
International Studies from Central Connecticut State University.
  Joe began his long public service career as an Alderman and mayoral 
aide for New Britain, before serving an impressive 16 years in the 
Connecticut General Assembly. Joe was first elected to the State House 
of Representatives, serving 2 terms before being elected to the State 
Senate, where he served a further 6 terms. In the Senate, Joe was an 
essential member of the Appropriations Committee, where he served as 
co-chair and a key advocate for New Britain and the communities of 
Central Connecticut. After his retirement from the General Assembly, 
Joe continued to serve Connecticut by working as a Deputy State 
Treasurer, as a Vice President of Central Connecticut State University, 
and as the Vice President of Government Relations at The Hospital for 
Special Care.
  Just as he worked with a dogged determination throughout his 
distinguished career, Joe committed the latter years of his life to 
leading a healthy lifestyle. Through his years of hard work, Joe lost 
more than 450 pounds after leaving elected office.
  Mr. Speaker, Joe Harper led a remarkable career and enthusiastically 
lent his talents to improve New Britain and Connecticut. Therefore, it 
is fitting and proper that we honor his life and memory here today. My 
condolences go out to his sister, Mary Ellen, and his family. Those of 
us who knew Joe will cherish his memory, and his legacy will live on in 
our community.

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