[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE 65TH BIRTHDAY OF ROBERT D. FUNDERBURG

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 2025

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
65th birthday of Robert D. Funderburg, a champion for the City of 
Buffalo, great supporter and advocate, and dear friend.
  Robert D. Funderburg grew up on the East Side of Buffalo, New York, 
attending Bennett High School, where he played basketball. At Bennett, 
Robert's 1978 Basketball team won the Section VI, Class B Championship, 
besting the likes of other Buffalo and regional public high schools. 
After graduating from Bennett with honors, Robert demonstrated 
determination and initiative from an early age. Robert spent time 
working for the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority in transportation 
and claims investigations. As an investigator, Robert spent six years 
polishing his skills in contract review and project management.
  After moving to California, Robert continued his work as an insurance 
investigator at Schifrin, Gagnon, and Dickey in Chatsworth, where he 
walked for seven years. As someone who has thrived on personal agency, 
Robert founded Funderburg Entertainment International in Los Angeles, 
providing personal management services for various musicians, tour 
management services, and contract negotiation. Leveraging his extensive 
background in investigations, Robert provided a leg up for artists, 
ensuring fair and beneficial contracts and broad exposure to audiences.
  Returning to Buffalo, Robert worked in sales management at Hard 
Manufacturing, utilizing his skills as a marketer, manager, and 
salesman. Robert worked at Hard Manufacturing for six years, rising 
through the ranks to Regional Sales Manager by the end of his tenure. 
Robert is now an investigator for the City of Buffalo's Legal 
Department, continuing to serve his community to this day.
  In addition to his professional pursuits, Robert has had an 
undeniable impact on Western New York. As a devoted volunteer, Robert 
has dedicated his life to empowering underrepresented individuals and 
creating an even playing field for Buffalonians. As Chairman of the 
Buffalo Black Achievers Entertainment Committee, he has worked to 
amplify young African-American voices in our community and the 
entertainment industry. Robert's co-founding of the Ron Brown 
Scholarship Foundation is a further testament to his work in creating 
an equitable and inclusive environment for Western New Yorkers, 
providing scholarships to the ``most talented and economically 
challenged high school seniors'' with involvement in public service and 
community engagement.
  Beyond his volunteer work and professional career, above all else, 
Robert is a man of faith. Throughout his life, he has embodied what it 
means to be a loving neighbor. With faith as his driving force, 
Robert's life has been demonstrative of what it means to be a child of 
God. An integral piece to our ``City of Good Neighbors,'' Robert has 
enriched the Buffalo community and is indicative of years of hard work 
and selflessness. Please join me in wishing Robert D. Funderburg the 
happiest of birthdays, with many more to come.

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