[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 105 (Thursday, June 15, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF JOE BARRON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUY RESCHENTHALER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2023

  Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Joe Barron on 
his retirement from Kennywood, an amusement park in West Mifflin, 
Pennsylvania, where he worked for over 50 years.
  In 1972, Mr. Barron began working in the games department at 
Kennywood at 16 years old. Two years later, Joe met a new hire, Peggy, 
while staffing a Skee-Ball machine. She would later become his wife.
  Joe's distinguished career at Kennywood included rising to Human 
Resources Director in the personnel department and serving as Human 
Resources Chairman of the International Association of Amusement Parks 
and Attractions for years.
  For 51 years, nearly every employee hired at Kennywood has had the 
pleasure of working alongside Mr. Barron, including his own children--
and me as a teenager. As the years and management changed, Joe remained 
a staple at the park, driving to preserve the park's status and 
cultural significance to the greater Pittsburgh area. His deep respect 
and interest in the lives of the park's staff undoubtedly fostered the 
family-friendly atmosphere experienced by his colleagues and all who 
visit the park. Kennywood will sorely miss Joe's leadership and kind-
spiritedness.
  Mr. Speaker, Joe Barron's innumerable contributions to the success of 
Kennywood and its staff are an inspiring example of the rewards of hard 
work, dedication to one's profession, and service to others. On behalf 
of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I congratulate Mr. 
Barron on his retirement and wish him continued success in the next 
chapter of his life.

                          ____________________