[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN MEMORY OF JOHN J. HEIDINGER

  (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life and legacy of a truly remarkable Buffalonian, John J. Heidinger, 
who passed away at the age of 72 on January 1, 2026.
  John's presence was woven into the fabric of Buffalo, and with his 
passing, our city has lost a pillar in our community. To know John was 
to know something essential about Buffalo itself: loyalty, humor, 
generosity, and an unwavering devotion to the people and places that 
shaped him.
  John was born and raised in Buffalo's Old First Ward, a neighborhood 
defined by its character and Irish pride. John carried that with him 
every day of his life.
  He was one of eight children raised by Jack and Elizabeth Heidinger 
in a small apartment near O'Connell Avenue, where love, faith, and hard 
work were not just values. They were a way of life.
  That foundation shaped the course of John's story.
  John deeply believed in the power of organized labor, in the 
fairness, stability, and respect unions provide working families. That 
conviction led him to dedicate more than 40 years of his life as an 
usher and ticket taker, where he stood shoulder to shoulder with his 
fellow union members and ultimately went on to serve as president of 
Local 235, which would later become SEIU Local 200 United.
  As president, John negotiated fair contracts, defended livelihoods, 
and helped ensure that generations of workers in western New York, 
including me and my family, could make a better life for themselves and 
their loved ones.

                              {time}  1015

  Madam Speaker, if we grew up in Buffalo, chances are we knew John in 
another way, too. In the early years of his career, John served as 
equipment manager for the Buffalo Sabres. He loved the team, the 
travel, the stories, and the joy of being part of something larger than 
himself.
  John would even invite players, especially those far from home with 
nowhere to go, to his house for Thanksgiving dinner. That was John, 
making room at the table, always looking out for others, and always 
treating everyone like family.
  In so many ways, John was present for Buffalo's most cherished 
memories. They include Sabres games, Bills games, Bisons games, Shea's 
performances, Kleinhans concerts, the racetrack, the Aud, The Rockpile, 
Pilot Field, The Ralph, and the arena.
  John was the familiar face at the door. He was the one who knew 
everyone's name, who greeted everyone with a smile, and who made each 
person feel welcome.
  Above all else, John's favorite role was being a devoted father to 
Michael, Susanne, and Sara and a cherished papa to his grandson, Ethan. 
He was also a beloved friend and partner to Martha.
  May we honor John's memory by living with the same generosity, 
loyalty, and pride in where we come from that he showed throughout his 
life.
  To John's extensive family, friends, and loved ones, we hold them in 
our hearts. On behalf of a grateful city and on behalf of a grateful 
nation, may John J. Heidinger rest in peace.

                          ____________________