[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 101 (Tuesday, June 14, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                            MORNING BUSINESS

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                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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     REMEMBERING NELSON W. MILNER, SR., AND CLARENCE R. MILNER, SR.

 Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart 
to pay tribute to Nelson W. Milner, Sr., and Clarence R. Milner, Sr. 
Both men were beloved relatives of former Hartford, CT, mayor Thirman 
L. Milner, the first elected African-American mayor in New England. 
They passed away earlier this year and leave extraordinary legacies of 
thoughtful, compassionate work.
  Nelson was born in Hartford, CT, and was the brother of former Mayor 
Milner. Upon graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force, 
serving for 3 years. Stationed in Riverside, CA, Nelson remained in the 
State with his late wife, Arthurrine, following his service. In the 
1980s, Nelson returned to Hartford in support of his brother's mayoral 
campaign.
  Passionate about serving others, Nelson became an ordained deacon and 
taught Sunday school. He also played the keyboard with the East 
Hartford senior center band. Nelson focused his final years on 
strengthening his relationship with his family, including his 10 
children, 5 stepchildren, and many grandchildren and great-
grandchildren. He passed away on February 15, 2022, at the age of 90.
  Nelson and Arthurrine's son, Clarence, was born in California. He 
would go on to have 10 children of his own, as well as 4 stepchildren, 
41 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Clarence dedicated his 
life to his Christian faith and volunteered as a firefighter. Just like 
his father, he moved back to Hartford to work on his uncle's mayoral 
campaign. In addition to supporting his uncle's successful bid to 
become the city's first African- American mayor, Clarence also 
committed himself to running several businesses.
  Family was at the heart of everything Clarence did. He was 
inseparable from his identical twin, Carl, for many years. Clarence met 
his wife in Hartford and spent as much time as possible with all of his 
children and grandchildren. He passed away on January 11, 2022, at the 
age of 64.
  My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to former Mayor 
Milner and all of Nelson and Clarence's loved ones. May their many 
wonderful memories of both men provide them solace and comfort in the 
days ahead. I hope my colleagues will join me in remembering Nelson W. 
Milner, Sr., and Clarence R. Milner, Sr.

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