[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 31 (Thursday, February 18, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. ANDREW ``DREW'' DeGRAFFENREIDT III

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 18, 2021

  Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of Mr. Andrew DeGraffenreidt III. Andrew was the perfect 
embodiment of the saying: ``find something you love, and you will never 
work a day of your life'', as he continued to passionately study and 
practice law until the very end with the sole motivation to help 
others. As a devoted lawyer he tirelessly worked to assist others and 
his community. We have lost a great leader, a loving father, and a dear 
friend.
  Andrew dedicated his life to mastering law and guiding young 
professionals in the legal community. He touched many lives during his 
extensive and successful legal career that spanned over 43 years until 
his untimely passing. Andrew was deeply committed to his community and 
his legal career, and like so many incredible individuals, his story 
had humble beginnings. Andrew's first job after graduating from the 
University of Miami Law School was serving as a Research Aide for 
General Counsel of Broward County, Florida. He then served as Deputy 
City Attorney for the city of Hollywood, Florida, and later became the 
city of Hollywood's first African American City Attorney. Additionally, 
during his successful career Andrew practiced private law where he led 
his own law firm twice. Furthermore, his extensive litigation 
experience in civil law set him apart from other attorneys, and his 
wealth of knowledge ultimately led him to serve as City Attorney of 
Riviera Beach, Florida, a position he valiantly held until 2019.
  From 2019 to the present, Andrew spent his time handling select 
cases, and serving as an insightful and experienced mentor to young 
lawyers. He truly embodied the ethos of a ``life-long learner'' and 
continued to serve his community to the end.
  To Andrew, family, faith, and love was of the utmost importance. As a 
member of Christ Family Worship Assembly his love for others was 
magnified through his commitment to God. He was most notably the 
devoted husband of Mary Sheely DeGraffenreidt and the proud father of 
seven children: Tatanisha, Reghan, Shaundelyn, Kayla, Farren, Douglas, 
and Andrew IV.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Andrew DeGraffenreidt III has indeed left an 
indelible mark on his loved ones, his community, and will be a role 
model for future generations to come. He will be dearly missed.

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