IN MEMORY OF JOHN J. HEIDINGER

IN MEMORY OF JOHN J. HEIDINGER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)] [House] [Page H2424] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] IN MEMORY OF JOHN J. HEIDINGER (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a truly remarkable Buffalonian, John J. Heidinger, who passed away at the age of 72 on January 1, 2026. John's presence was woven into the fabric of Buffalo, and with his passing, our city has lost a pillar in our community. To know John was to know something essential about Buffalo itself: loyalty, humor, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to the people and places that shaped him. John was born and raised in Buffalo's Old First Ward, a neighborhood defined by its character and Irish pride. John carried that with him every day of his life. He was one of eight children raised by Jack and Elizabeth Heidinger in a small apartment near O'Connell Avenue, where love, faith, and hard work were not just values. They were a way of life. That foundation shaped the course of John's story. John deeply believed in the power of organized labor, in the fairness, stability, and respect unions provide working families. That conviction led him to dedicate more than 40 years of his life as an usher and ticket taker, where he stood shoulder to shoulder with his fellow union members and ultimately went on to serve as president of Local 235, which would later become SEIU Local 200 United. As president, John negotiated fair contracts, defended livelihoods, and helped ensure that generations of workers in western New York, including me and my family, could make a better life for themselves and their loved ones. {time} 1015 Madam Speaker, if we grew up in Buffalo, chances are we knew John in another way, too. In the early years of his career, John served as equipment manager for the Buffalo Sabres. He loved the team, the travel, the stories, and the joy of being part of something larger than himself. John would even invite players, especially those far from home with nowhere to go, to his house for Thanksgiving dinner. That was John, making room at the table, always looking out for others, and always treating everyone like family. In so many ways, John was present for Buffalo's most cherished memories. They include Sabres games, Bills games, Bisons games, Shea's performances, Kleinhans concerts, the racetrack, the Aud, The Rockpile, Pilot Field, The Ralph, and the arena. John was the familiar face at the door. He was the one who knew everyone's name, who greeted everyone with a smile, and who made each person feel welcome. Above all else, John's favorite role was being a devoted father to Michael, Susanne, and Sara and a cherished papa to his grandson, Ethan. He was also a beloved friend and partner to Martha. May we honor John's memory by living with the same generosity, loyalty, and pride in where we come from that he showed throughout his life. To John's extensive family, friends, and loved ones, we hold them in our hearts. On behalf of a grateful city and on behalf of a grateful nation, may John J. Heidinger rest in peace. ____________________