[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22908]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF WALTER STRINE, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE SESTAK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 29, 2009

  Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the remarkable life of 
Walter Strine, Sr., who passed away on September 22, 2009 at the age of 
100.
  A living example of the Horatio Alger ideal, Mr. Strine was trained 
as a bricklayer at the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades, 
from which he graduated in 1929. It was at Williamson--established in 
1888 to provide financially disadvantaged young men with the 
opportunity to become productive and respected members of society--that 
the foundation of a very successful life was laid. From there Walter 
Strine embarked on a career that included teaching, real estate 
development, and philanthropy. In each aspect of his exceptional life 
he reflected very proudly on the virtues and skills he learned at 
Williamson. His work ethic, intellect, devotion to family and community 
were unmatched and left the most positive, lasting impression on 
everyone who knew him.
  Married to the love of his life, Elizabeth Sterling Strine, for over 
70 years and the father of Walter, Jr. and William--both talented and 
successful men in their own right--his life could not have been fuller. 
He was inordinately generous to Williamson--where he was responsible 
for the construction of the Strine Learning Center and he was a member 
of the Board of Trustees for 25 years.
  His vision, basic decency, and business acumen shaped the Borough of 
Media, Pennsylvania into one of the most livable and prosperous 
communities in our Commonwealth. In addition to his work developing the 
area's commercial district, he also purchased the Media Theater and 
transformed it over time into a center for the Performing Arts that is 
a showcase for local talent and venue for residents from throughout 
Delaware County to gather in the company of one another.
  I cannot imagine a better life than the one lived by Walter Strine, 
Sr. The results of his work abound in his hometown, he made a great and 
better difference in the lives of thousands and he was loved and 
respected. He will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________