[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               JOHN KELLY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2019

  Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, on May 20, 2019 the world lost an icon, a 
Samaritan, a teacher, a mentor, a friend who made San Mateo County a 
better place. John Kelly passed away at age 90 after dedicating his 
entire life to others. He was a social justice giant who believed in 
everybody and never gave up on anybody, even the most marginalized in 
society. He was a priest, a teacher at Serra High School, a mentor to 
inmates at San Quentin Prison, and the first Executive Director of 
Samaritan House in San Mateo. Samaritan House epitomizes what John 
believed: everyone has the right to live in dignity and we have a 
common responsibility to help those in need. Samaritan House was 
founded in 1974 and provides services to people living in poverty, 
including shelter and housing assistance, medical and dental clinics, 
clothes for children, and personalized case management. Most 
importantly, while providing the emergency services, it guides people 
to self-reliance.
  During his tenure from 1985 to 1999, John Kelly nurtured Samaritan 
House from a fledgling operation to a full-service non-profit 
organization. Whatever John touched thrived and made a difference in 
people's lives. He made a difference in my life. Like so many in our 
community, I deeply admired his generosity, integrity, moral compass 
and wonderful sense of humor. The spirit of John Kelly will forever 
live on in San Mateo County.

                          ____________________