[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 196 (Thursday, November 20, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF JUAN FERNANDEZ

  (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 of Juan 
Fernandez, a decorated marine, retired NYPD detective, and 9/11 first 
responder who passed away after a courageous battle with 9/11-induced 
pancreatic cancer.
  As a marine, he proudly served our Nation with honor and discipline. 
Following his military service, Juan continued his commitment to 
protecting his community by serving as a detective in the New York 
Police Department where he was known for his courage and 
professionalism.
  On September 11, 2001, Juan was among the many brave first responders 
who answered the call in one of our Nation's darkest hours. His courage 
and selflessness during and after that tragic day exemplified true 
strength and the resilience of the American spirit.
  Juan's passing is a tremendous loss to his family, his friends, and 
those who served alongside him.
  My thoughts are with his wife, Lily, and his daughters, Sydney, 
Samantha, and Jessica, during this difficult time. May his memory be a 
blessing to all who knew him and to our country.

                              {time}  1045


              Honoring the Life of Francis ``Frank'' Duffy

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Francis 
``Frank'' Duffy, a devoted husband, father, and pillar of his 
community, who passed away on November 4 at the age of 102.
  Frank was a decorated World War II veteran, earning both the Silver 
Star and the Purple Heart for his valor while serving on Iwo Jima. He 
concluded his military career at the rank of corporal.
  Upon returning home from war, Frank embarked on a career with the 
United States Postal Service, retiring in 1978 as a foreman for 
transportation.
  Frank was an active member of Pearl River VFW Post 7370, John H. 
Secor American Legion Post, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish Cultural 
Center, and St. Margaret's Church, and he was a past member of the 
Knights of Columbus.
  A proud father of 5, loving grandfather of 10, and great-grandfather 
of 11, Frank exemplified the values of steadfast wisdom and enriched 
the lives of all he touched within the Pearl River community and 
beyond.
  Mr. Speaker, may God bless the memory of Frank Duffy.


                   Honoring Justice John Sweeny, Jr.

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
the Honorable John Sweeny, Jr., a true steward of justice, integrity, 
and service in Putnam County and across New York State.
  Justice Sweeny dedicated his life to the law and to the people it 
serves. From his early days as administrative assistant district 
attorney in Putnam County to his distinguished tenure on the New York 
State Supreme Court and Appellate Division, First Department, where he 
made history as the highest ranking judge ever to hail from Putnam 
County, John embodied fairness, humility, and an unwavering commitment 
to justice.
  John was a man of quiet grace and deep intellect, a mentor to many, 
and a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
  Beyond the courtroom, he gave selflessly to his community, from 
supporting veterans and first responders to volunteering at local fairs 
and serving with the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
  On a personal level, he was extremely gracious and supportive of me, 
and I will never forget it.
  Mr. Speaker, to his beloved wife, Alana, his children, and all who 
knew and loved him, our community shares in your loss and celebrates a 
life so well lived.


                        Honoring Vincent Altieri

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Vincent 
Altieri, a dedicated community leader and longtime public servant.
  Before joining Rockland County, Vince worked with the New York State 
Department of Environmental Conservation, advocating for environmental 
policy. He also served as a judge in the village of Spring Valley, 
where he will be remembered for his fairness, integrity, and respect 
for the rule of law.
  Vince went on to dedicate more than 18 years of service to Rockland 
County, serving in the county executive's office as the 
intergovernmental relations director and later going on to serve as the 
executive director of the Rockland County Drainage Agency, showcasing 
his true commitment to improving the lives of his communities.
  Vince's passing is a tremendous loss to Rockland County, and my 
thoughts are with his family and friends. His integrity, leadership, 
and passion for public service will be deeply missed.


                      Honoring Donna Breen Clarke

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Donna 
Breen Clarke, who passed away peacefully on October 25, surrounded by 
her beloved family.
  A proud graduate of Marymount Academy and Marymount College in 
Tarrytown, New York, Donna dedicated her life to the education and 
enrichment of the young minds of our community.
  Donna started her career at Marymount International School in Surrey, 
England, before returning home to teach first graders in Mount Kisco 
following her marriage to her beloved husband, Joseph Clarke, in the 
summer of 1962.
  Donna went on to serve as a preschool teacher and then director of 
the Nauraushaun Cooperative Nursery School in Pearl River, where she 
educated thousands of students, including me. Whether through educating 
the next generation or through her active involvement in St. Aedan's 
Church, Donna was deeply committed to her community.
  A proud mother of three and loving grandmother of seven, Donna lived 
a life defined by compassion.
  Mr. Speaker, may God bless the memory of Donna Breen Clarke and her 
husband, Joe, and may God continue to comfort her family.

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