    [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 38 (Wednesday, February 26, 2025)]
    [House]
    [Page H862]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                 HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BENNET CHIOTTI

      (Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
    minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
      Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of
    Mr. Bennet ``Ben'' Chiotti, of Roanoke, Illinois, who passed away on
    February 9 at the age of 93.
      Ben was born in Saluzzo, Italy, in 1931, where he grew up under the
    oppression of the Italian Fascist regime.
      One of four brothers, Ben immigrated to the United States as a
    teenager with little money and speaking very little English, hoping to
    pursue the American Dream.
      After immigrating, Ben went on to serve in the United States Army
    during the Korean war before settling in Roanoke, Illinois, outside of
    Peoria, where he lived for 70 years.
      Ben was an active community member and local businessowner. He
    started Roanoke Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in 1968, a business still
    run today by his family.
      Ben was married to his late wife, Evelyn, of Metamora, Illinois, for
    nearly 50 years. Ben is survived by his older brother, Louis, who is
    currently 100 years old, four children, and many grandchildren.

      I offer my sincere condolences to the Chiotti family and their loved
    ones on the loss of a great husband, father, grandfather, and veteran
    of our Nation.
      Ben's commitment to his community will leave a lasting legacy and
    impact on central Illinois for years to come.

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