[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 173 (Tuesday, October 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF GERALD SCHUSTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 23, 2018

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the beautiful life and 
legacy of my dear friend, Gerald Schuster, who died on October 17 in 
his home in his beloved city of Boston.
  Jerry was a leader of great vision and generosity, driven always by 
the deep responsibility he possessed to build better futures for 
families in Boston and across the country. Together with his beloved 
wife of 66 years, Elaine, Jerry dedicated his life to philanthropy and 
progressive activism.
  Jerry's vast generosity of spirit blessed countless Americans. His 
support for Boston hospitals, including the Brigham and Women's 
Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer 
Institute, have brought healing and hope to so many lives, and have 
helped strengthen families and the community. His vision in 
establishing the Schuster Family Transplantation Research Center at the 
Brigham will leave a powerful legacy for generations to come. Jerry 
also understood the deep toll that poor health can take on families' 
well-being and economic security, and transformed lives by helping 
establish Hospitality Homes, a nonprofit organization providing free 
housing for more than 15,000 families and friends of patients receiving 
care in the Boston area.
  As a self-made business leader, Jerry believed firmly in the 
importance of empowering young leaders, and cared deeply about 
mentoring others so that they can succeed. As part of this mission, he 
and Elaine established Operation PEACE (Partnerships in Education and 
Community Enrichment), which provides mentoring, tutoring and life 
skill training for children in urban communities in Atlanta and Boston. 
Recognizing that there is no greater investment we can make than in our 
children's education, they also started a fund at Tufts University to 
support faculty development and civic engagement.
  Jerry believed profoundly in the importance of a free press. He and 
Elaine created the Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism at 
Brandeis University, which has made an extraordinary contribution in 
strengthening America's public interest and investigative journalism. 
Since its founding, the Center has empowered scores of graduates to 
seek truth through journalism and public service.
  Jerry also was a tireless champion for progressive causes, and for 
the need to encourage a robust, healthy debate over policy. For 
decades, he and Elaine opened their home to civic and political leaders 
of all levels, fostering important conversations about how to create 
progress for all Americans.
  Our country has been strengthened by Jerry's leadership and 
generosity. We will all deeply miss his warmth, his brilliant spirit 
and his deep empathy. Most of all, we will remember his extraordinary 
love for his family. The great love he had for Elaine, his beloved and 
inseparable partner in all aspects of life; for Mark and Audrey, Scott 
and Heidi, Jodi, and Todd and Laurie; and for his nine wonderful 
grandchildren, continues to bless us all.
  May it bring some measure of comfort to Jerry's many friends and 
loved ones that so many grieve with them and pray for them during this 
sad time.

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