[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 51 (Thursday, March 18, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E274-E275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING RAYMOND J. KAPPER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 18, 2021

  Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Raymond J. 
Kapper, who passed away at his Florida home on March 14, 2021 at the 
age of 84.
  Ray Kapper dedicated his professional career to serving his 
community. Whether serving the citizens of the City of Akron as an 
elected official or young men and women as a coach and administrator, 
he put the greater-good above his own aspirations.
  He began his professional career as the athletic director for the 
Catholic Youth Organization and as head football coach at St. Mary's 
High School before moving on to the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company 
where he served as employee activities director. Mr. Kapper was elected 
to serve the City of Akron first as a ward councilman and then as 
councilman at-large. He ultimately was elected by his peers to serve as 
the president of the council.
  In 1984, Ray was appointed to serve as service director. In that 
position he oversaw the City of Akron's Engineering Bureau, the Public 
Works Bureau, the Sewer Bureau, and the Water Bureau. Mr. Kapper 
retired from the City of Akron in 1992.
  In retirement, Ray continued to work in the community and support the 
causes that were most important to him. He was especially proud of his 
work with The First Tee of Akron, a youth mentoring program that 
provides educational programs that build character and instill life-
enhancing values through the game of golf. He most enjoyed time spent 
with family and friends and cheering on his beloved New York Yankees.
  Mr. Kapper is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, 
Barbara; his children,

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David (Jennifer) Kapper, Deborah (Kelly) Dodson, Jon (Nancy) Kapper, 
and Christopher (Collen) Kapper; grandchildren, Abbie, Alex, Charlie, 
Hannah, Ben, Frances, Nicole, and Kevin; great grandchild Violet; and 
brothers Dick, Tom, and Glenn. He was preceded in death by his parents 
Raymond and Marcine, and his grandson, Andrew.
  I cannot thank Ray enough for his dedicated service to the City of 
Akron and Summit County. It is a great honor to represent the people of 
Akron in this chamber, and Mr. Kapper deeply exemplified the spirit of 
the city. My deepest condolences go out to his family and to all whose 
lives were touched by Ray.

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