[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 85 (Thursday, May 16, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H3280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING TOMMY COWAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Kennedy) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a great American, a dear 
friend of the western New York community, the city of Buffalo, and my 
family, Tommy Cowan.
  Tommy passed away unexpectedly last Monday, May 6, at the age of 44, 
leaving an irreplaceable hole in our hearts. Tommy was a one-of-a-kind 
soul, friendly, charitable, hardworking, caring, with a vivacious 
personality and a beaming smile.
  His love for life and his community was constantly on display through 
his generosity to others. He always looked out for the little guy and 
would lift up anyone who needed a helping hand.
  Buffalo is known as the City of Good Neighbors, and Tommy served as a 
shining example of that.
  In 2022, Buffalo was struck by one of the worst blizzards in our 
history, paralyzing the city and costing the lives of dozens of 
Buffalonians.
  During this terrible storm, Tommy strapped on his skis, made his way 
to one of his restaurants, and got cooking for the first responders. 
Food was delivered to firehouses, police stations, and hospitals, 
keeping those heroes fed as they fought desperately to save lives in 
the middle of an emergency. He didn't have to do that. He put his own 
safety at risk for the betterment of others. For Tommy, that was just 
something that you do for the community.
  His service to the community and dedication to others earned him 
recognition from the Buffalo Police in 2019 when they presented him 
with the William Rieman Citizen of the Year Award.
  Tommy was a leader in the western New York community with countless 
friends, but to me, he was my neighbor and part of my family. Growing 
up with my younger brother Patrick, he was like a little brother to me. 
We watched each other grow up and our careers take off, supporting each 
other and cheering one another on along the way.
  He thrived in the hospitality industry, opening restaurants across 
Buffalo: Forty Thieves in Elmwood Village, Patrick's Rooftop in 
downtown Buffalo, and in our beloved neighborhood of south Buffalo, the 
legendary Doc Sullivan's, home of the famous Smitty wings.
  He personified south Buffalo, and he proudly invested in our 
community, creating jobs and developing spaces that brought neighbors 
together over a pint and a few wings.
  It didn't matter if you were from south Buffalo, when you walked into 
Doc's, Tommy made you feel like you were from the neighborhood. He knew 
how to create more than a restaurant. He created an experience. Each 
place had its own signature feel, but Tommy's character was woven 
throughout it.
  Last Friday, there was a standing-room-only crowd that turned out for 
Tommy's funeral at our Lady of Victory Basilica, a true testament to a 
man who made an impact on countless people.
  My sincere condolences and sympathies go out to his parents, Tom and 
Libby Cowan; his siblings, Erin and Brian McElroy and Kristen and Pat 
Lalley; and his nieces, nephews, and extended family. We are all better 
for knowing Tommy Cowan. May he rest in peace.

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