[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 188 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H7332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE MEMORY OF JOHN WALDIE GULLEN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Lawler) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of John 
Waldie Gullen, a lifelong Lewisboro resident and World War II veteran 
who passed away on December 1, less than 3 weeks after friends, family, 
and neighbors gathered to celebrate his 100th birthday.
  John Waldie Gullen was born on November 12, 1924. He attended a one-
room schoolhouse on Schoolhouse Road and graduated from Katonah High 
School in 1943.
  After graduating, he joined the U.S. Army, eventually deploying and 
fighting in the European theater, where he served as a combat 
infantryman from 1944 until 1946.
  He was a proud member of the 70th Infantry Division, known as the 
Trailblazers, and his heroic actions helped turn back Germany's last 
offensive operations of the war in northeastern France, earning him the 
Bronze Star medal.
  Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara 
Miller, with whom he was faithfully married for 72 years. He was the 
father of two sons, a grandfather of four grandchildren and great-
grandfather of five.
  John Waldie Gullen's life was marked by service on and off the 
battlefield. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves upon returning 
home from the European theater of World War II, and he was a member of 
the South Salem Volunteer Fire Department for 80 years.
  A successful businessowner and real estate investor, Mr. Gullen 
helped found the Lewisboro Lions Club in 1958. His service to his 
country, community, and family spanned decades, and he was an 
inspiration to the many who knew him. I was proud to be among those 
blessed to have met him.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that when the House adjourns today, it does so in 
the memory of John Waldie Gullen, a true hero of our Greatest 
Generation.


                  Honoring the Life of Marie Lorenzini

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and legacy 
of Marie Lorenzini, a beloved leader and devoted public servant from 
Nyack, New York, whose passing is deeply felt by all who knew her.
  Marie's service to the village of Nyack spanned decades, including 
her roles as trustee, deputy mayor, and liaison to the Nyack Parks 
Commission. In fact, she was the second longest serving trustee in the 
history of Nyack.
  Even after leaving the village board, she continued her work as a 
parks commissioner, leaving an indelible mark on the community she 
cherished.
  Known for her quick wit, warm smile, and big heart, Marie dedicated 
herself to serving others, whether through her commitment to her 
church, her work with the Nyack Soup Angels, or her unwavering advocacy 
for her neighbors. Her passion, humor, and friendship enriched the 
lives of all who had the privilege to know her.
  Marie was truly one of a kind. While her loss leaves a profound void, 
her legacy of service and love for her community will live on in Nyack 
and beyond. May her memory always be a blessing.


               Honoring the Life of Joseph William Cotter

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Joseph 
William Cotter, a visionary leader and beloved father who passed away 
unexpectedly on October 25, 2024, at the age of 66.
  Joe was a proud father to Lydia and William, a devoted partner to 
Jane Carroll, and a son of both Purdys and New York City.

                              {time}  1145

  A graduate of Williams College and NYU Stern School of Business, Joe 
cofounded National Resources in 1988, transforming urban and industrial 
sites into thriving communities. His innovative spirit and ability to 
see potential where others could not defined his life's work.
  Joe was a man of many passions, an all-England rugby player at King's 
College, a basketball leader at Oxford, and an eternal optimist with a 
global perspective. His intellect, wit, and boundless energy brought 
people together, whether on the field, at home, or in his professional 
life.
  Joe's legacy lives on through his family, his transformative 
projects, and the countless lives he touched with his warmth and 
vision.
  May his memory inspire us to dream big and to find joy in every step 
of the journey.
  Joe will be missed by all who knew him in our Hudson Valley community 
that he impacted so greatly for so many years.

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