[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 186 (Friday, October 22, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF ANDREW G. URAM
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HON. GUY RESCHENTHALER
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 22, 2021
Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of
Andrew G. Uram, who passed away on October 3, 2021 at the age of 100.
Growing up during the Great Depression, Andrew displayed an
incredible work ethic and selflessness at a young age. His widowed
mother, despite the privation of the times, instilled in him the belief
that it was better to give than to receive--a belief that would come to
define Andrew's life. He graduated from Butler High School in 1937 and
went to work for Armco Steel, clocking in as much as possible.
Following America's entrance into World War II, Andrew put his career
on hold and joined the U.S. Navy, serving as an Aviation Cadet.
After returning from service in 1945, Andrew went to work for
Metropolitan Life as an agent. In just a few years, he was promoted to
the company's field training division in New York City. In 1955, the
company sent Andrew to Washington County, Pennsylvania to serve as a
district manager in charge of 35 agents and 10 clerks. At the time, he
was the company's youngest manager. In 1969, Andrew was hired as vice
president at Mellon Bank's Washington branch. At 65, he retired from
banking and transitioned to commercial real estate.
While he had a distinguished and successful professional life, Andrew
would be the first to tell you his true passion was giving. Andrew
became deeply involved with the Washington County Community Chest in
1956. By the mid-1960s, following their transition to the United Way,
he was already bringing in $1 million for the organization. Andrew was
also Chairman of the Catawba District of the Boy Scouts of America,
President and Paul Harris Fellow of the Washington Rotary Club,
Director of the Greater Washington Area Chamber of Commerce, and
District Governor of Rotary,
Andrew truly left his mark on southwestern Pennsylvania. He was
instrumental in securing the donation of Heritage Reservation, where
local Boy Scouts have camped for generations. Andrew also helped build
the current home of the Citizen's Library in Washington.
The community consistently honored Andrew for his generosity and
leadership. The Jaycees gave him and his late wife, Julie, the
Distinguished Service Award. The Boy Scouts named Andrew a Silver
Beaver, their highest local honor. The Rotary Club of Washington not
only gave him an international service award, but it also named the
award in his honor. Notably, Andrew was named Philanthropist of the
Year in 2016.
Madam Speaker, Andrew Uram was an incredibly accomplished community
leader, philanthropist, and one of the kindest people in Washington
County. It was a privilege to have known him. Andrew is survived by his
sons James, Paul, Thomas, and Matthew, as well as his grandchildren,
Brooke and Andrew. Please join me and the Uram family in celebrating
his life.
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