[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 194 (Tuesday, November 18, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H4711-H4712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SIDNEY DAVIDOFF

  (Mr. Lawler of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Sidney Davidoff, a towering figure in New York's political life and a 
true son of the great city of New York, who passed away Sunday at the 
age of 86.
  Born in Brooklyn, Sid served 7 years as administrative assistant to 
Mayor John Lindsay. He went on to become one of New York's most 
respected government affairs attorneys.
  As founder of Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, he built a firm whose 50 
years of work stands as part of his extraordinary legacy. A frequent 
lecturer at Yale and NYU and board member on countless city 
initiatives, Sid earned the distinction few can claim: He was respected 
on both sides of the aisle.
  Beyond the title, Sid Davidoff was a true New Yorker: brilliant, 
tough, generous, and kind. He worked right up to the end, always 
thinking about what more he could do for the city and State he loved.
  Today, we mourn his loss and celebrate his life. I extend my deepest 
condolences to his wife, Linda; his family; and to all who knew and 
loved him, especially his colleagues at Davidoff Hutcher & Citron.


                 Celebrating Retirement of George Gaine

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 
outstanding career of George Gaine, a dedicated educator, mentor, and 
longtime boys' basketball coach at Tappan Zee High School in 
Orangeburg, who recently announced his retirement after an 
extraordinary 22 years of leading the Dutchmen.
  During his tenure, Coach Gaine built one of the most respected 
basketball programs in the region, guiding his teams to an impressive 
301-47 record, four section I titles, two Rockland County 
championships, and the 2023 New York State Class A crown. His 
leadership, discipline, and passion for the game inspired not only his 
players but the entire Tappan Zee community.
  In addition to his success as a coach, Coach Gaine served as a 
physical education teacher at Tappan Zee, shaping generations of 
students with his commitment to excellence, integrity, and personal 
growth.
  May we commend Coach Gaine for his years of service, mentorship, and 
dedication to young people. May his next chapter be as fulfilling as 
the impact he left on his players, his school, and his community.


                  Celebrating Retirement of Tim Idoni

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
Tim Idoni of New Rochelle on his retirement after more than 40 years of 
extraordinary public service to Westchester County.
  Tim's career has been defined by a deep commitment to his community.

[[Page H4712]]

As mayor of New Rochelle, he led the city in revitalization projects, 
creating thousands of jobs and breathing new life into the downtown.
  Over the last two decades as Westchester County clerk, Tim modernized 
the office in ways that have saved taxpayers millions of dollars, made 
local government more efficient, and improved services for countless 
families.
  Beyond titles and offices, Tim has been a tireless advocate for 
affordable housing, open space, and community organizations throughout 
Westchester. His service leaves a lasting mark not just on New Rochelle 
but on all of Westchester County.
  I thank Tim for his decades of dedication and his commitment to 
public service. He was a great colleague in government, and I 
congratulate him on his retirement. I wish him and his family continued 
health and happiness in the years ahead.


                  Honoring Life of Terry Martin Hekker

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Terry 
Martin Hekker, who passed away in her home on October 20, just weeks 
before her 93rd birthday.
  A Brooklyn native, Terry grew up with the lively spirit of two large 
Irish families. Her father's work brought the family to the Bear 
Mountain Inn, where Terry's earliest encounters included visiting 
athletes and politicians, like Jackie Robinson.
  A graduate of Pratt Institute, Terry married and eventually settled 
in Nyack, New York, where she raised five children. Terry authored two 
best-selling novels, which brought her national recognition and led her 
to a long career in local politics.
  Terry served on various boards, including the Nyack Chamber of 
Commerce and as village trustee, before making history as the first 
female mayor of the village of Nyack, one of her proudest achievements 
being advocating for the creation of the Nyack Community Center.
  May God bless the memory of Terry Hekker and continue to comfort her 
family and friends during this time of loss. Our community will miss 
her.


                      Honoring Life of John Farley

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Farley of 
Pearl River, who passed away this summer at the age of 84.
  John grew up in Rockland County. He served our Nation proudly in the 
United States Navy and built a career as a member of Steamfitters Local 
638 in New York City. To those who knew him best, he was simply 
``Pop.''
  John had a quick wit, a love of sports, and a gift for coaching. More 
than that, he had a way of seeing the best in people and encouraging 
them to see it in themselves. That is the mark he left on his family, 
his friends, and his community.
  John's legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren and in the 
many lives he touched in Pearl River and beyond. May his memory be a 
blessing, and may we honor him by carrying forward the kindness and 
generosity he showed every day.

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