[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 18 (Friday, January 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E78-E79]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF ANTHONY DiPACE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 28, 2022

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today and ask the House to 
observe the passing of a true gentleman and public-spirited citizen of 
the State of Connecticut, Mr. Anthony ``Tony'' DiPace. After a 
courageous battle with cancer, Tony unfortunately passed on from this 
earth on January 22, 2022, at the age of 62.
  Born in Hartford in 1960 to Concetta and Angela DiPace, Tony was 
ingrained with the Connecticut spirit since birth. It was not long 
after his entry into this world, however, that tragedy was forced upon 
him with the loss of his mother, resulting in an early transition into 
the loving Wee and Rose Crowley household based in Enfield, 
Connecticut. Both out of this loss and his fostering under the 
Crowley's, Tony gained an early understanding to the importance of 
discovering one's own roots and connecting with those who surround us 
in our daily lives. It was therefore without question that upon 
graduating Fermi High School in 1978, Tony saw the value in keeping 
close to the town that raised him and went on to graduate at the top of 
his class from United Technical School in Springfield, Massachusetts 
just a stone's throw away from Enfield.
  Armed with his certification as a master mechanic, Tony quickly 
became an integral part of his hometown, opening his own automotive 
business, ``Hazard Motors.'' Though he kept up with the success of his 
one-stop-shop for more than 34 years in order to build a foundation for 
his family, he also always put the customer-in-need before himself. 
Beyond the success of his business, Tony lived a life in constant 
search for new connections with his neighbors so that, together, they 
could work to create a more prosperous town for the next generation, 
including his son, Anthony.
  It is with no surprise that a caring man like Tony found time to wear 
just about every hat in town. Included within his tenured service was 
40 years with the Enfield Democratic Town Committee, where he 
constantly discussed and put forward municipal priorities. His 
dedication earned him a several stints in both elected and membership 
positions, including his advocacy as the former Chairman of the Enfield 
Planning & Zoning Commission as well as his service as the Chair of the 
Democratic Town Committee. Throughout all of these efforts, his clear 
and present passion and candid character made him a capable unifying 
voice in Enfield, which he was most recently recognized for with the 
William ``Red'' Edger, Jr. ``Democrat of the Year'' Award in 2021.
  Tony was also sought to establish a positive impact with the town's 
youth. Whether it was through the local concession stand, as coach for 
youth teams, or his sponsorship of the youth basketball and baseball 
programs, it was always Tony's goal to set up the next generation for 
success, affording them the

[[Page E79]]

same appreciation for the Town which he found while growing up.
  Madam Speaker, Tony was purely altruistic, always thinking of those 
around him and how he could help them. I had the distinct pleasure and 
honor to know Tony for over 20 years and often had a front-row seat to 
his fine work in the auto repair business. He always had his sleeves 
folded up, ready to get into the grease and get the job done in order 
to excel beyond the needs of the customer. I also know that he was 
diligent and passionate with his involvement in town affairs and that 
he poured his heart and soul into any activity laid before him. Through 
everything he accomplished, whether it was his contributions to the 
town's economy, through municipal government, or investing in youth 
activities, it is worth emphasizing that it was always about leaving 
behind a stronger community for whom Tony considered family. Though 
this perspective was Tony's guiding North Star throughout his entire 
life, everything he did, was in some small way tied to leaving Enfield 
and our State a better place for Anthony.
  Madam Speaker, though the Enfield community lost a force for good 
with the passing of Tony DiPace, we will always find the space to honor 
his legacy which now thrives through just about every member of the 
Enfield community. It is also through the roots of the Crowley family 
that we can entrust Tony's many surviving brothers and sisters--
wherever they may reside--to carry his memory forward. To that end, it 
is with great respect and admiration that I ask my colleagues in the 
House join me, in addition to all those that will remember Tony DiPace, 
in honoring his life and impact on his community.

                          ____________________