[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H141-H142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING JIM MONAGHAN

  (Mr. Lawler of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible 
career of Jim Monaghan, a dedicated public servant who has spent a 
lifetime serving the people of Stony Point.
  Jim's public service began with a 29-year career in the New York City 
Police Department, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant. From 
January 2016 through this past December, he served as the town 
supervisor of Stony Point, focusing on affordability for families and 
seniors and ensuring public safety. Before becoming town supervisor, 
Jim served for 2 years on the town board.
  A lifelong Rockland County resident, Jim and his wife, Jackie, have 
lived in Stony Point for 30 years with their two children and now their 
grandchildren. Community and family remain central to his life. Jim and 
his wife are active parishioners at Immaculate Conception Church and 
have volunteered in community sports programs and nonprofits throughout 
the county.
  As Jim retires after a long career serving the people of Stony Point, 
Rockland County, and New York, I am proud to recognize my good friend, 
Jim Monaghan, for his many contributions to our community. May this 
next chapter for him be just as fulfilling as the last.

                              {time}  1045


                         Honoring Anthony Adamo

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Anthony 
Adamo, southern region president of the Civil Service Employees 
Association who passed away this week at the age of 46.
  Born in Flushing, Queens, Anthony graduated from New Paltz High 
School and began his career at SUNY New Paltz in 1999. Not long after, 
he stepped up as a union activist in CSEA's SUNY New Paltz Local 
working as a shop steward and grievance representative, driven by his 
belief in standing up for the working people.
  In 2009, Anthony was elected as the local president, a position he 
held for 10 years, during which he also served as the chair of the 
union's statewide political action committee.
  In 2019, he became southern region president and was reelected by his 
peers again in 2024. Additionally, Anthony served as an AFSCME delegate 
and vice president of the New York State AFL-CIO.
  Anthony embodied the very spirit of union leadership: passionate, 
hardworking, and unwavering in his commitment to others. His legacy 
will live on through the countless lives he touched and the workers he 
proudly fought for. He was a great friend, an honest broker, and a true 
New Yorker. I will miss my friend dearly, and may he be at peace.


                     Honoring John ``Spo'' Esposito

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John 
``Spo'' Esposito, a remarkable young man from my district. John passed 
away peacefully on December 28 at just 25 years old.
  John grew up in Somers, New York, where he graduated from Somers High 
School in 2018. A proud student-athlete, he was a member of the 2016 
New York State Championship varsity football team, as well as the track 
and basketball teams, forming lifelong friendships.
  John went on to attend Manhattanville University earning his business 
degree in 2023. He pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by working at B&E 
Sports Collectibles and starting his own business, Eye On The Ball 
Sports Collectibles, alongside his brother Joey, combining his love of 
sports with his ambition and his family.
  Beyond his accomplishments, John was defined by his heart. An avid 
Yankees fan, he remained deeply connected to his community as a member 
of the New York Bombers, a blind beep baseball team, and showed us all 
what it means to persevere with humor, courage, and grace.
  My deepest condolences go out to John's parents, Joe and Patti; his 
brothers, Joey and Michael; and everyone who had the privilege of 
knowing him.
  May God bless his memory.


                      Honoring Layla Elizabeth So

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Layla 
Elizabeth So, a remarkable young lady from Pearl River, New York, whose 
kindness and creativity touched everyone who knew her. Layla passed 
away on August 7, 2024, after a heroic 2-year battle with cancer.
  Layla grew up in Pearl River, New York. She attended Lincoln Avenue 
Elementary, Pearl River Middle School, and was a rising sophomore at 
Pearl River High School where she earned High Honor Roll.
  Layla excelled on the varsity bowling team, earning the most improved 
player award. She also participated in the marine science club, enjoyed 
baking, and volunteered at Pearl River Library.
  One of Layla's proudest accomplishments was being a founding member 
of Eagle Scout Troop 97G in New City. Her Eagle Project, completed 
posthumously by Troop 97, transformed 10 55-gallon steel drums into 
decorative trash cans for the town of Orangetown and earned her the 
title of Eagle Scout after her final board of review in which she also 
became a Life Scout.
  Layla's legacy reminds us that life isn't always numbered in years 
but in the impact we leave behind. Though her time with us and in our 
community was far too short, Layla's ambition and kindness will endure. 
May her memory always be a blessing.


                        Honoring Pieter Grosbeck

  Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an 
extraordinary Orangeburg resident, Pieter Grosbeck, who passed away at 
the beginning of December due to a 9/11-related illness.
  A proud Eagle Scout, a graduate of Tappan Zee High School and of 
Rockland Community College, Pieter dedicated his life to serving 
others. After working as a technician for ITT in Antarctica, Pieter 
began his career in public safety with the NYPD in 1984, serving as a 
patrolman in the 44th Precinct in the South Bronx.
  In 1990, Pieter continued his career by joining the FDNY where he was 
later assigned to Engine Company 3 in Chelsea and later transferred to 
Battalion 7, serving with distinction until his retirement in 2018.
  Pieter devoted 45 years of volunteer service to the Blauvelt 
Volunteer Fire Company, serving as president, chief on three occasions, 
and an active board member, being awarded life membership in 2019.
  He was a loving husband to his wife, Lisa, for 32 years; a devoted 
friend; and a man who consistently put others before himself. I extend 
my deepest condolences to his family, his fellow firefighters, and all 
those who had the privilege of knowing him.
  May his memory be a blessing.

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