[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H4322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF DOMINIC P. STRANGIO

  (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart 
to honor the life of a remarkable young western New Yorker and St. 
Joe's student, Dominic P. Strangio of Niagara Falls, whose courageous 
battle with cancer came to an end on April 22, 2026, at just 16 years 
old.
  Dominic was a beloved son to Frank and Sara, a devoted big brother to 
Sofia and Frankie, and a treasured grandson, cousin, teammate, 
classmate, and friend. Though his time on this Earth was far too short, 
the impact he made on those around him will endure for generations.
  Dominic was a proud Marauder, attending St. Joseph's Collegiate 
Institute. As someone who walked those halls myself, I know firsthand 
the values St. Joe's seeks to instill: faith, brotherhood, compassion, 
and service to others.
  Dominic embodied those values in every sense. The entire St. Joe's 
community mourns this immeasurable loss alongside the Strangio family, 
united in both grief and gratitude for having known such an 
extraordinary young man.
  On the baseball field, Dominic was someone his teammates could depend 
on. Off the field, he loved hanging out with his cherished friends, 
going on fishing trips with his papa, and spending Sunday afternoons at 
his nonna's kitchen table. He found joy in the simple gifts of life and 
treasured every moment spent with his brother and sister.
  It was not only how Dominic lived his life before his diagnosis that 
inspired so many. It was how he faced adversity. Throughout his 
illness, Dominic demonstrated courage and grace far beyond his years. 
Guided by his faith, he remained selfless, optimistic, and resilient. 
He never complained. He continued to think of others even as he 
confronted challenges that few adults could ever imagine.
  Dominic's strength became a source of inspiration to his family, 
friends, classmates, and our entire community.
  Mr. Speaker, while Dominic's years were few, his example was immense. 
May we all carry forward his kindness, faith, resilience, and love for 
his family.
  To Dominic's parents, Frank and Sara; his brother, Frankie; his 
sister, Sofia; and all who mourn this tremendous loss, our Nation and 
our community mourn with you.
  St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us. Live, Jesus, in our hearts 
forever.
  May Dominic Strangio rest in peace.


         Celebrating 100th Anniversary of The Buffalo Criterion

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a 
remarkable milestone in the history of western New York: the 100th 
anniversary of The Buffalo Criterion.
  Founded by Frank Merriweather, Sr., and his wife, Carmelita, The 
Criterion is the oldest Black-owned newspaper in western New York and 
the oldest Black-owned business in Erie County.
  For over a century, four generations of the Merriweather family have 
carried forward a simple but powerful mission: to tell the stories that 
too often go untold and to ensure that Buffalo's Black community has a 
voice that is heard loud and clear.
  Frank Merriweather, Sr., a graduate of the Tuskegee Institute, who 
studied under Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver, 
understood that journalism would be a force for justice, opportunity, 
and change. That vision has endured for 100 years and counting.
  From the extraordinary leadership of Frank Merriweather, Jr., to 
Evelyn Patterson Merriweather, Frank Merriweather III, Dr. Eva Doyle, 
and countless dedicated journalists, photographers, and community 
leaders, The Criterion has chronicled the triumphs, struggles, and 
aspirations of generations of western New Yorkers.
  When our community faced tragedy following the racist terrorist 
attack at Tops on Jefferson on May 14, 2022, The Buffalo Criterion 
helped to tell Buffalo's story to the Nation and the global community.
  In a moment of profound grief, it became a source of truth, moral 
clarity, strength, and healing. That is what The Criterion does. It 
leads.
  For 100 years, The Criterion has spoken truth to power, preserved 
history, amplified local voices, and strengthened our community.
  Today, we honor its extraordinary legacy and congratulate everyone 
who has played a role and helped to make The Buffalo Criterion an 
enduring institution in Buffalo and throughout western New York.
  I congratulate them on a century of work, and here is to many, many 
more years to come.

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