[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 2375-2376]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    TRIBUTE TO MR. GREGORY KOMESHOK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2000

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
deeds of a well-respected member of New Jersey's Polish-American 
community, Gregory Komeshok of Passaic, New Jersey. Greg has been 
elected the 1999 Grand Marshal for the 63rd Annual Pulaski Day Parade 
because of his years of community service. It is only fitting that the 
Central of Polish Organizations has chosen him, for he epitomizes the 
spirit of caring and generosity of spirit and embodies pride in his 
heritage.
  Mr. Komeshok, a member of the Passaic High School class of 1965, went 
on to receive a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Technology and a Masters 
Degree in Administration and Supervision from Montclair State 
University.
  Greg has always been a community leader. At 26, he was the youngest 
ever to hold the

[[Page 2376]]

position of Democratic Party Chairman for the City of Passaic, New 
Jersey. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 
1976. Furthering his belief in civic participation, Greg was elected to 
the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the county's 
legislative body. The time spent working as a Passaic County 
Freeholder, and eventually Freeholder Director, instilled in Greg the 
attributes necessary for him to become a stellar force in the 
community.
  This native of Passaic has many experiences as an elected and 
appointed official. In 1978, then New Jersey Governor Brendan Byrne 
appointed him Commissioner of the North Jersey District Water Supply.
  Known for his keen mind, Greg Komeshok is a respected and industrious 
leader in education. Greg assumed the role of an elementary school 
principal for nine years, and was also an adjunct professor at Kean 
University. Greg currently serves as the Supervisor of Career and 
Alternate Education for the Passaic Board of Education.
  Greg continually touches the lives of the people around him. In 1978, 
he established English classes for immigrants at Holy Rosary Church, 
and later in 1986, at St. John Kanty Church. As General Chairman of St. 
John Kanty Church, he helped to raise over $1 million for the 
construction of a new Parish Center. He is the standard bearer for the 
Passaic Boys' and Girls' Club, and was the recipient of the 
organization's ``Passaic For the Kids'' service award. Also, the 
Pulaski Association of Police and Firemen honored Greg as Citizen of 
the Year.
  An active and involved leader, Greg Komeshok is a past President and 
Life-Member of the Holy Rosary Young Men's Club of Passaic. He is a 
Charter Member of St. John Kanty Sports and Athletic Association. Mr. 
Komeshok is also a perennial Chairman of the Holy Rosary Palm Sunday 
Communion Breakfast. In addition, he is a baseball Coach for the 
Clifton Hawks, Babe Ruth, League, Clifton General League, and is the 
President and General Manager of the Wayne Spartans American Legion 
Baseball Team.
  The son of Emily Rzepecki and John Komeshok, Greg spent his formative 
years at Holy Rosary R.C. School in Passaic. Greg's family includes his 
wife Susan and his two sons Kevin and Christopher.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Gregory's 
family, friends, the Central of Polish Organizations, the Polish-
American Community and the community-at-large in recognizing the 
outstanding and invaluable service to society of Gregory Komeshok.

                          ____________________