[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11582]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF PETE MOLLICA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 20, 2011

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of 
Pete Mollica, a fixture of Niles and the Mahoning Valley, who passed 
away on July 14th. Pete fought a long, hard battle with cancer, and the 
loss of his voice in our community is a void that will be impossible to 
fill.
  A graduate of Niles McKinley High School, Pete was himself an 
athlete, competing on the football and baseball fields. Sports was in 
his blood, whether it be as a player, coach or official. Fortunately 
for the people of Northeast Ohio, he made his love of competition a 
career as a sports writer.
  He leaves behind his high school sweetheart, Bonnie, two children, 
and six grandchildren. They will continue his legacy of kindness, 
generosity and optimism, but no one can ever fully replace what he 
brought to our community.
  As a Valley athlete, I grew up reading Pete's writing. He covered it 
all with heart--high school, college, football, golf, softball, you 
name it. His uplifting stories of competition and athleticism helped 
inspire local children and adults alike.
  Being named in one of Pete's columns was a badge of honor; you could 
be certain friends, family, and the community would take notice. And 
therein was Pete's true gift, his understanding of how sports bring 
communities together. Through his craft, for just a moment, we could 
forget about our differences and embrace our shared excitement and 
appreciation of sports.

                          ____________________