[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 193 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN J. RUSSELL

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOSH GOTTHEIMER

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2018

  Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of John 
J . Russell of West Roxbury, Massachusetts, who was the loving and 
devoted father of Tricia Russell, my exceptional and incomparable Chief 
of Staff.
  Originally born in County Cork to parents James and Norah, John was a 
proud son of Ireland through and through. Like many generations of 
Irish who came to this country before him, he and his loving wife 
Joanne raised their family in Boston--proudly preserving and 
celebrating their heritage, faith, and traditions. John was blessed 
with the gift of the gab and was known for his ability to make friends 
or engage complete strangers anywhere. For this and the other gifts he 
was blessed with, including his family, he was thankful--showing a 
devotion to his faith and his fellow parishioners.
  While I did not know John personally, I feel as though I have come to 
know his many exemplary qualities and his character through his 
daughter, who embodies his values day-in and day-out: selflessness and 
dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to doing right by 
others, no matter what.
  John's devotion and adoration may not have always been spoken, but 
his actions and unadulterated love for his family were loud and clear. 
John undoubtedly was proud of Tricia and loved her dearly, helping her 
grow into the strong woman she is today. He was the rock on which the 
family was built and his spirit will continue to live on through Tricia 
and Joanne.
  Mr. Speaker, there is a beautiful old Irish saying for mourning a 
loved-one: ``Ar dheis De go raibh a h'anam,'' meaning ``May his soul be 
on the right side of God.'' For us, there is no question: John's love 
for his family, his love for his home, and his faith have secured for 
him a new life in God's embrace. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating the life of John J. Russell and his extraordinary legacy.

                          ____________________