[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 187 (Thursday, November 21, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1490-E1491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE MEMORY OF PETE SZYMANSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2019

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise 
today to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Pete Szymanski 
who we lost unexpectedly earlier this year. Pete was an extraordinary 
soul whose kind heart and generosity touched the lives of many.
  Pete was a dedicated member of our military having served as a member 
of the Reserve Officer Training Corps and served on active duty at the 
Detroit Arsenal in Michigan as well as the Army Reserve. Following his 
active duty service, Pete began a 33-year civilian career with the Army 
at the Detroit Arsenal before moving to the Stratford Army Engine Plant 
(SAEP) where he served for 22 years, retiring just this past February. 
It was through the SAEP that I had the opportunity to meet Pete. He was 
Army Installation Manger and, though the property was closed many years 
ago through a Base Realignment and Closure process, Pete remained at 
the site, hoping to see the property transferred for redevelopment 
before his retirement. Unfortunately, we are still working towards that 
goal. I would be remiss if I did not extend a special

[[Page E1491]]

note of thanks to Pete for his willingness to work with myself and my 
staff over the years as we have worked with the Army and the Stratford 
community to move the transfer and redevelopment process forward.
  Pete played a unique and special role in the closure of the SAEP. He 
was determined that the site would not become just another abandoned 
eyesore. It was Pete who both envisioned and executed a plan to dispose 
of the excess Allied Signal machinery in a way that garnered millions 
of dollars for the Army and it was Pete that approved the use of the 
SAEP as a redistribution point for the 9-11 recovery supplies. He 
carefully budgeted every penny of the scarce budget he managed to 
ensure that the property remained properly maintained. It was also Pete 
who showed his support for the community by opening the facilities for 
a variety of activities including K-9 training and the Viki Soto SK, an 
annual run in memory of the young Stratford teacher whose life was cut 
tragically short at the school shooting in Newtown.
  Pete Szymanski was an extraordinary man whose commitment and 
dedication to his job and his community earned him the respect and 
admiration of friends, colleagues, and community leaders alike. Today, 
I am honored to rise to pay tribute to his memory and to extend my 
heartfelt condolences to his wife, Kathryn, and their family. Pete's 
passing will leave a hole in the hearts of all those who knew them and 
a void in the community that will never quite be filled.

                          ____________________