[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H647-H648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF GABRIELE MUCCIARELLI

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Kennedy) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of Gabriele Mucciarelli who we lost at the age of 90 earlier this 
month.
  Gabe was an exceptional man whose life was a testament to hard work, 
loyalty, and the power of the American Dream.
  In 1952, at the age of 17, Gabe left all that he had in Italy for 
Canada in search of a better life. There, he worked in a collision shop 
and realized his natural talent for auto repair.
  After marrying the love of his life, his late wife, Maria, in 1961, 
they moved to Buffalo where they built a beautiful family and continued 
to work hard.
  Three years later, his hard work paid off, and he opened up the first 
Gabe's Collision on East Delavan in Buffalo. Gabe's attention to detail 
and quality service made the business a success, and it quickly 
expanded to Genesee Street.
  He was well respected in the industry and known around town as an 
honest man with impeccable talent, who could make any car look as good 
as new. Just last year, Gabe's Collision, which has grown from one 
small shop in Buffalo to three locations across western New York, 
celebrated 60 years in business.
  Gabe lived his life no differently than he did his job. Treating 
those around him with fairness and integrity, he was always there to 
help and provide his loved ones with selfless, unwavering support.
  He is survived by his children, Johanna and Jeff; grandchildren, 
Cristina Ippolito and Jioia Mucciarelli; as well as many nieces, 
nephews, and devoted friends.
  Gabe's son, Jeff, has followed in his father's footsteps not only in 
business but in his commitment to honesty and integrity. For 40 years, 
Jeff was lucky enough to work alongside his father as they built Gabe's 
dream of a small collision shop into a large operation with that same 
commitment to quality and great work.
  Gabe loved his family, his work, his community, and our country 
deeply. As we mourn his loss, let us take comfort in knowing how loved 
he was and his incredible impact on countless lives, and may Gabriele 
Mucciarelli rest in peace.


               Honoring the Life of James Francis Doherty

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of James Francis Doherty, a remarkable public servant and family 
man whose perseverance and loyalty will continue to serve as an example 
for all of those who are willing and able to help make changes to this 
world.
  A graduate of Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School and Buffalo State 
University, Jimmy went into the world wanting to make a difference, and 
that he did.
  Upon graduation, he worked as a special education teacher at South 
Park High School until he ran for office. Jimmy was the youngest 
elected at-large councilman in the Buffalo Common Council. During his 
tenure, he was a fierce advocate for the people he represented, 
especially the most vulnerable in our community including women, people 
of color, and anyone who was disenfranchised.
  He always kept a picture of his two beloved daughters, Brigid and 
Leah, behind his desk. Whenever someone came in with a request, he 
would point to the photo and say: I do everything for those two. So 
make sure whatever you are asking of me, I can be proud to share with 
them.
  He would go on to be a mentor and a friend to many and remain active 
in city policymaking, inspiring generations of civic-minded 
Buffalonians. After retiring from politics, Jimmy led a selfless career 
in student transportation, holding executive roles at National School 
Bus, Laidlaw Education Service, and later First Student. Each fall, 
western New Yorkers could rely on Jimmy to help them usher in a safe 
return to school.
  As president of the Wanakah Country Club, Jimmy was an avid golfer 
and passionate sports fan. When he wasn't helping others, he could be 
found on the green with his favorite golf partner and best friend, his 
brother Jerry.

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  Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife, Marleah; his devoted children, 
Brigid Doherty and Leah Roberts; his loving grandchildren, Haley and 
Sophia Jones and Anna and Harrison Roberts; as well as countless other 
nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
  Jimmy's loyalty to his family and devotion to his city made him a 
model leader, one whom all Buffalonians and western New Yorkers can 
look up to with pride and admiration. He will certainly be missed.
  May Jimmy Doherty rest in peace.

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