[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 2 (Monday, January 6, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S23]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      REMEMBERING ALFRED J. RIOUX

 Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart 
to pay tribute to Alfred J. Rioux, a dedicated public servant, 
advocate, and friend to many. Sadly, Mr. Rioux passed away on November 
9, 2019, at the age of 85. He will be remembered for his commitment to 
Connecticut and his jovial spirit.
  Born in Hartford, CT, Al served in the Navy as a seaman 2nd class and 
deep-sea diver on the USS Skylark during the Korean war. Once 
discharged, he started an apprenticeship in Hartford for the Arrow-Hart 
Hegeman Company as a tool and die engineer.
  Upon moving to Newington, CT, with his family, Al began working in 
real estate and insurance. At the same time, he became a member of the 
Connecticut Home Builders Association, helping to develop single-family 
homes in his town. This initial involvement in Newington would serve as 
the catalyst for Al's lifelong devotion to Connecticut politics.
  In the 1970s and 1980s, some of Al's pivotal roles included helping 
Bill Cotter successfully win his first term in the U.S. House of 
Representatives, serving as an aide to Congressman Cotter, a 15-year 
position as the Newington Democratic Party's Town chairman, and 
attending the 1980 Democratic National Convention as a delegate in 
support of President Jimmy Carter. He also served two terms as the 
sheriff of Hartford County.
  Al gave back to his communities outside of politics, as well. In one 
of the first kidney transplants performed at Hartford Hospital through 
Dr. Robert Schweitzer and Dr. Stanley Bartus's transplant program, Al 
received a kidney from his sister, Dorothy Williams, in 1975. This 
successful operation led him to organize the Connecticut Kidney 
Research Fund Golf Tournament. Throughout its many years, the 
tournament helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of 
Hartford Hospital's kidney transplant research.
  Through his involvement in Connecticut politics, transplant advocacy, 
and numerous organizations, Al left a lasting impression on everyone 
around him thanks to his zeal for life and readiness to help others.
  My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to Al's family 
during this difficult time, particularly to his wife Elma and his many 
children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. May their many 
wonderful memories of Al provide them solace and comfort.

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