[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 8, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF LEO J. FAHEY OF MASSACHUSETTS

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2019

  Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Leo J. Fahey, in 
recognition of his outstanding contribution to the American labor 
movement, and to his home union, Pipefitters, Local 537 in 
Massachusetts.
  The son of Leo Fahey and Audrey York Fahey from South Boston, 
Massachusetts, Leo was born on August 2, 1960, in South Boston. He is 
the youngest brother to sisters Catherine Fahey-Fennessey and MaryBeth 
Fahey Moore, and a brother, Sean Fahey. Leo attended grammar school at 
St. Mary's in Randolph, Massachusetts and graduated from Randolph High 
School in 1978. He furthered his education earning an associate degree 
from Blue Hills Technical Institute, becoming an expert in HVAC 
technology and its applications.
  Madam Speaker, Leo entered Pipefitters Local 537 in 1983 as an 
apprentice. He has served his union well serving as Superintendent at 
Kinetic Systems, and P.J. Riley in Weymouth. He was elected president 
of Local 537 in 2002 and served in that capacity until 2004. 
Subsequently he was elected as Business Agent (2004 to 2010), Trustee 
(2007 to 2016), and Business Manager (2010 to 2016). Leo also played a 
key in the enactment of important state legislation which allowed 
municipalities to save energy costs by replacing archaic systems with 
state of the art facilities. Additionally, Leo played a key role in the 
Helmets to Hardhats initiative where returning veterans from Iraq and 
Afghanistan could receive training in the construction and building 
trades as a means to gaining a secure career and enjoying the 
solidarity of fellow Union Members.
  Leo's most enduring work on behalf of Local 537 was yet to come. He 
improved the Union Hall and outfitted it with modern technology. He 
established a scholarship fund for union members and their spouses, 
children and grandchildren, awarding over $700,000 to date. He along 
with union brothers William Gallagher, John Messina, Robert Mullin, and 
James Walsh created a Memorial Wall where each member of Local 537 will 
be remembered for his and her contribution and dedication to the 
Pipefitters Union, Local 537.
  Leo is known for his quick sense of humor and his loyalty to his 
friends. He is a proud son of his South Boston roots and a fierce 
advocate for working families. He is the life partner and fiance of 
Diane McArthur, the proud father of four sons: Justin, Ryan, Patrick, 
and Brendan, and the grandfather of Aiden, Mary, and Joshua.
  Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to join with Leo J. Fahey's 
family, friends, and contemporaries to thank him for his remarkable 
service to the American labor movement and to the Pipefitters, Local 
537.

                          ____________________