[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H1128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF MATTHEW J. FISHER

  (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of Matthew J. Fisher, a pillar of south Buffalo, who tragically passed 
away on December 12, 2025, at the age of 57.
  Born and raised in south Buffalo by his parents, Richard Sr. and 
Joann, Matt grew up surrounded by family, friends, and the close-knit 
parish of St. Ambrose Catholic Church. It was there that he built 
lifelong friendships and learned what it meant to belong to a community 
rooted in shared responsibility to one another.
  A graduate of Canisius High School and Buffalo State University, he 
studied in the community that raised him, carrying those lessons with 
him throughout his life.
  Matt was a loving husband, a devoted father, a man of deep faith and 
a humble voice for good whose impact will continue to be felt in our 
community for generations.
  He lived out his values through acts of service, compassion, and an 
unwavering belief that making the world a better place begins in our 
neighborhoods, in our houses of worship, and in the everyday moments 
where dignity and care matter most.
  That sense of belonging stayed with him his entire life and guided 
his decision to raise his own family in the very same neighborhood that 
raised him.
  Matt was a devout Catholic, an active parishioner, and a eucharistic 
minister who lived his faith outwardly. He prayed for those who were 
struggling. He showed up for those in need, and he treated everyone he 
encountered with authenticity, humility, and genuine care.
  Matt's spirit of service defined his professional pursuits as a 
housing and economic development professional. Whether working for Erie 
County, the city of Buffalo, or organizations like the Old First Ward 
Community Association, Matt devoted his career to public service. 
Because of his work, countless families in western New York were able 
to remain in their homes, invest in their families, and navigate 
systems that are often overwhelming and complex.
  Beyond his professional accomplishments, Matt's heart was firmly 
planted in our community. Matt served as chairman of the South Buffalo 
Neighborhood Accountability Board and founded South Buffalo CREW, 
Concerned Residents Engaged in Work.
  In those roles, Matt championed grassroots initiatives that focused 
on beautifying our neighborhood and supporting our small businesses.
  As president of South Buffalo Baseball, he mentored countless young 
people. He was committed to keeping the program affordable, inclusive, 
and rooted in the neighborhood because he believed every child deserved 
a place to belong.
  Matt Fisher's legacy reminds us that the soul of this country is 
found in people who live extraordinary lives of service and the 
neighbors who coach little league teams, check in on the elderly, serve 
at their parish, and quietly make their community stronger day by day.
  To his beloved wife, Dina, and to their children Joseph, Hannah, 
Anthony, Veronica, Nicholas, and Aidan: Our community, State, and 
Nation mourns with you.
  South Buffalo and western New York are stronger because of Matt 
Fisher. Our community and our country are better because of him.
  May we carry forward his example and care for our neighbors with the 
same faith, generosity, and love that Matthew J. Fisher showed us every 
single day. May he rest in peace.

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