[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 207 (Friday, December 15, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JOSEPH BRIAN HANNIGAN

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 2023

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of 
Joseph Brian Hannigan, an active community leader and highly admired 
public servant who passed away on May 21, 2022, at the age of 76.
  Born in New York City in 1945, Brian Hannigan was raised in 
Wakefield, Rhode Island. Brian attended South Kingston High School and 
then went on to Saint Thomas More School in New Hampshire where he 
developed his gift for writing. He later went to Saint Louis University 
(SLU), becoming the President of SLU's Young Democrats and ultimately 
became Chair of the College Democrats of Missouri.
  In college, Brian served as chair of the Robert F. Kennedy for 
President club, which launched his career in Democratic political 
campaigns. His passion for politics led him to a job as the Scheduling 
and Advancing Director for the Governor of Illinois. Throughout his 
life, no higher complement could be paid than referring to him as a 
`great advance man.'
  While in Illinois, he met his wife, Judy, on a double date in 
Chicago. They threw dance parties, traveled the world, and enjoyed 
foreign films together. Eventually, they left Illinois for Washington 
D.C., and Brian became the Deputy National Finance Director for the 
Democratic National Convention. His skills as an advance man with an 
encyclopedic memory and attention to details served him well in his 
roles on the advance teams for President Carter's visit to Israel in 
1979 and President Clinton's visit to Northern Ireland in 1995. His 
career went on to include numerous communications and government 
relations positions, including his time as Communications Director for 
the Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority and his time in Governor Mark 
Warner's administration.
  Brian brought the same level of dedication and passion for national 
politics to his roles in the community. He served as President of the 
Dominion Hills Civic Association for over 20 years. Brian was also a 
staunch believer in the positive impact of youth sports, as he became 
the Chairman of the Arlington County Sports Commission, President of 
the Better Sports Club, and would often drive around Arlington to 
ensure that his children's teammates could make it to practices and 
games.
  Those who had the pleasure of spending time with Brian know that he 
lived life to the fullest, whether that was `dancing like no one was 
watching,' looking for any excuse to go on a road trip, or refusing to 
pass up any opportunity to bodysurf a wave. He is loved dearly, and his 
passion and dedication has left a lasting impact on everyone who knew 
him.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and 
legacy of Joseph Brian Hannigan. His leadership and commitment to 
public service was inspirational, and he will be missed by all who knew 
him. I also extend my deepest condolences to his wife of 44 years, 
Judy, and his children, Connor and Megan, and their families.

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