HONORING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM GEARY, SR.

HONORING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM GEARY, SR.

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025)] [House] [Pages H511-H512] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM GEARY, SR. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kennedy) for 5 minutes. Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember William Geary, Sr., a remarkable man whose life was a testament to service, dedication, and love for his family, our country, and our community. William Geary, Sr., grew up on Good Avenue in South Buffalo, the proud son of a large Irish Catholic family. He attended South Park High School before answering the call of duty, serving in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam war. A two-tour veteran, he returned from his first deployment to meet the love of his life, Cathleen, his future wife, on a blind date. Just 2 weeks later, they were married and began their journey together. After his decorated military service, Bill dedicated his life to hard work and our community. A proud union man and retired Teamster, he found a second career at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park. There, he worked diligently to preserve the history of our Nation's servicemembers, laboring tirelessly on the ships he loved so much. Service was the cornerstone of Bill's life. Whether it was his devotion to his family, his dedication to veterans, or his willingness to lend a hand or an ear to anyone in need, he lived by the creed of putting others before himself. Bill faced health challenges later in life due to complications from Agent Orange and COPD. He received care at the Buffalo VA Medical Center, where he considered his doctors, nurses, and aides heroes. His enduring wish was to improve the VA system for others, a mission his family carries forward in his honor. Bill was a devoted husband to Cathleen, a loving father to Kellie, Kathryn, and William Jr., and a proud grandfather to seven. William Jr. has proudly carried on his father's legacy of public service as a senior master sergeant in the United States Air Force Reserve and is the Erie County commissioner of public works. Today, as we remember William Geary, Sr., we reflect on a life well lived, a life of service, sacrifice, and unconditional love. May his legacy inspire us to uphold the values he embodied and to continue striving for a better future for our families and communities. May he rest in peace. Honoring the Life of William Dunford, Jr. Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of William Dunford, Jr., a dedicated public servant, educator, husband, and father. Bill's life was defined by his unwavering commitment to his family and our entire community. Over his 17-year career as a University of Buffalo police officer, he demonstrated a steadfast dedication to protecting and serving. As the chair of the criminal justice program at Erie Community College, he taught and mentored countless young officers, instilling in them the importance of compassion, integrity, and professionalism. He believed in learning through experience. Bill brought students on Sleep Outs to hear from people living on the streets about their experiences and challenges, teaching them about the human side of law enforcement. Bill wanted his students to see, feel, and [[Page H512]] understand the world of the vulnerable, ensuring they would serve with empathy and awareness. Aside from teaching our young people, Bill also taught seniors at the Polish Community Center how to protect themselves from fraud and other harm. Outside of the classroom, Bill was an accomplished athlete and a star pitcher at Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School. He earned respect and accolades on every field and court he played on. Later in life, he shared his love of sports by coaching young athletes, earning the 2000 Coach of the Year award for his dedication. He would go on to be recognized in the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame. A devoted husband to Denise, father to his three sons, Brendan, Matthew, and Ryan, and his daughter, Lauren, and grandfather of 14, Bill cherished his time with family and brought joy and humor to all those around him. Bill's legacy goes beyond the classrooms where he taught or where he coached. He inspired his three sons to pursue careers in law enforcement, continuing his mission of service. His daughter is following in her own career of service to the public as a family doctor. Bill Dunford, Jr., was a pillar of our community and a dear friend. He will be deeply missed. May his example continue to inspire all of us to serve with love, dedication, and compassion. May Bill Dunford, Jr., rest in peace. ____________________