[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27879]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                   IN HONOR OF JOHN MAURICE MASSETTI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2005

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember and honor 
John Maurice Massetti, a leader and tireless advocate for working 
families, who passed away on December 4th. John's devotion to his 
family, friends and to causes that helped others is an inspiration to 
so many people in Minnesota. He will be missed by everyone who was 
fortunate enough to know him.
  Throughout his life, John brought integrity and a sense of obligation 
to his fellow workers, as well as to his community. For 20 of his 38 
years working with Northwest Airlines, he proudly served his brothers 
and sisters at District 143 International Association of Machinists and 
Aerospace Workers as secretary-treasurer of the union. During 
negotiations, he always put the needs of working families first. John's 
honest leadership instilled energy and loyalty that was contagious, 
helping to develop the next generation of labor leaders. Retirement did 
not slow him down.
  John's desire to help others extended well beyond his union family. 
He made a strong personal commitment to Guide Dogs of America, helping 
to raise thousands of dollars to provide free guide dogs and 
instruction in their use to blind and visually impaired men and women 
across the country. His success at raising funds at the Annual Guide 
Dogs of America Golf Tournament and the ``Hawgs for Dogs'' motorcycle 
ride are legendary.
  Both he and his wife, Mary were also active in delivering Meals on 
Wheels among other volunteer activities.
  I consider myself privileged to call John a friend, and was often 
witness to his enthusiastic participation in volunteer efforts he 
believed in. We can all be proud of the life John lived, because his 
was a life dedicated to working for the good of all people.
  My thoughts and prayers are with John's wife, Mary; his son, Michael; 
his mother, Aida; his stepdaughter, Candice and his many relatives, 
friends and colleagues who loved him.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the life of John 
Massetti.

                          ____________________