February 27, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 39 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page H1242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JOE LAWLESS

  (Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor my 
constituent, friend, and mentor, Joe Lawless.
  Joe loved his home city of Malden, Massachusetts, and his city loved 
him. He was a longtime supporter of the Irish American Club and of The 
Immigrant Learning Center. He served Malden on the Library Board of 
Trustees, the Housing Authority, and as deputy mayor.
  But Joe's legacy of generosity is best described by what he did 
behind the scenes. I remember Joe, while suffering from debilitating 
back pain, purchasing gallons of ice cream with all the fixings to 
serve sundaes for seniors. And catching a ride with Joe only to find 
the back seat of his car and the entire trunk filled with food to 
distribute to neighbors in need.
  Joe was a natural teacher. While I was never fortunate enough to sit 
in his classrooms at Boston College or Suffolk University, he taught me 
so much. He was the rare friend who made everyone whose lives he 
touched feel seen and appreciated, and we will all strive to live the 
wisdom and lessons in friendship, integrity, and service he gave us.
  Thank you, my friend. Rest in peace and love.

                          ____________________