[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 123 (Monday, July 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1044]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN FRANCIS AYLMER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2018

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of 
John Francis Aylmer, a resident of Centerville, Massachusetts and 
dedicated public servant.
  John was born in Barnstable and raised in the villages of Osterville 
and Centerville, graduating from Barnstable High School in 1953. 
Following his graduation from Admiral Billard Academy in New London, 
Connecticut, he received a bachelor's degree from the Massachusetts 
Maritime Academy and joined the United States Navy. Upon his honorable 
discharge, John served as a Merchant Marine Officer on oil tankers. He 
was later commissioned in the U.S. Navy Reserve for twenty-three years.
  Within this same time span, John also served two terms as a 
Barnstable Selectman. He went on to earn his master's degree in 
education from Bridgewater State College. Then, in 1970, he 
successfully ran for election as a Massachusetts State Senator, where 
his commendable leadership resulted in his appointment as Assistant 
Senate Minority Leader. While in office, John also obtained his law 
degree from Suffolk Law School.
  In 1981, John was appointed as Rear Admiral, U.S. Maritime Service. 
He also became the president of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 
holding this position for the following decade and presiding over a 
period of critical expansion. Upon his retirement, John continued to 
give back to his community through his long-time involvement in the 
Cape Cod Baseball League.
  John married his wife Ann M. McLean in 1957, and over the sixty-one 
years they spent together they had four sons, and now three 
grandchildren. Unfortunately, John passed away on July 8, 2018. His 
commitment will live on through his growing family and the legacy of 
his activism in our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of John Francis Aylmer. I 
ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his many years of 
dedication to his community and his country.

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