[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 7, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S54-S55]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                 REMEMBERING ROBERT L. ``RED'' McKINNEY

 Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam President, I rise today with a heavy 
heart to pay tribute to Robert ``Red'' McKinney, an outstanding friend 
and public servant. Sadly, Mr. McKinney passed away on December 24, 
2019, at the age of 72. He will be remembered for his devotion to East 
Hampton and his bright, loving nature.
  Born in Hartford, CT, Red spent his entire life in East Hampton. He 
earned his higher education degrees in the State, as well, with an 
associate's degree from Mitchell College and a bachelor's degree from 
Central Connecticut State University. Red spent five decades as a 
chemical specialist, focused in metal working fluids. For 40 years, he 
and his wife, Anne, co-owned a commercial and residential property 
acquisition and management company, HTA, LLC.
  Outside of his work, Red dedicated himself to supporting his 
community. Giving back to those around him brought Red an unparalleled 
joy, dating back to his role as a member of East Hampton Parks and 
Recreation in the 1970s. He was the youngest member of the East Hampton 
Board of Selectmen ever elected and proudly served for 4 years. 
Notably, Red also served as chairman of the East Hampton Democratic 
Town Committee for 10 years and remained a member for his entire life 
since 1974.
  That same year, he joined the East Hampton Rotary Club, making him 
the longest tenured member. His impressive level of involvement is also 
evident through his over four-decade-long role as a charter member of 
the Old Home Days Association. The association coordinates the annual 
East Hampton Old Home Day parade--a signature celebratory tradition 
attended by hundreds of people. As a regular participant in the parade, 
I saw firsthand the professionalism and dedication that Red brought to 
that event. He was always a joy to talk with.
  Red was especially pleased to have the opportunity to celebrate the 
people

[[Page S55]]

of his town and surrounding communities. He treasured the residents of 
East Hampton the same way he valued his close friends and family.
  Through his active role in these organizations and many others, 
including the Middle Haddam Library and Middlesex Hospital, Red 
positively impacted countless members of his community. His commitment 
to supporting those around him was recognized through three Paul Harris 
Fellow Awards and numerous other honors.
  Red's remarkable legacy of service is an inspiration to all of us and 
sets a model of service that will continue in East Hampton for years to 
come.
  My wife, Cynthia, and I extend our deepest sympathies to Red's family 
during this difficult time, particularly to his wife, Anne, along with 
their children and grandchildren. May their many wonderful memories of 
Red provide them solace and comfort.

                          ____________________