E2134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 14, 2010 HONORING THE HONORABLE and established himself as the rightful heir to I suppose, in an ironic way, Richard would RONALD PANIOTO Harry Carey’s oversized throne as the king of smile at the enormous impact he had on friend Chicago Cubs commentary. and foe alike. He was a life force, a force of HON. JEAN SCHMIDT Away from the ‘‘Friendly Confines,’’ Santo nature—someone always operating on mul- OF OHIO worked tirelessly to raise money and aware- tiple levels, in high gear, and in more than IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ness for Diabetes through the Juvenile diabe- three dimensions. I used to chafe when in the tes Research Foundation. Diagnosed at age middle of a phone call he would put me on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 18, his diabetes was unknown even to his hold to talk with someone else—but I bet he Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise teammates until 1971, when Santo decided to did it to everyone. today to recognize the career of the Honorable use his star power to draw attention to the dis- He was a consummate juggler—the master Ronald Panioto, who is retiring as a judge of ease. From 1979 until his death, Santo spon- diplomat. He knew precisely what he was pre- the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. sored the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, help- pared to tell someone, and what he was not. Judge Panioto leaves the courtroom some 35 ing to raise over $60 million for research and Though it takes years to settle on how history years after he first ascended the bench of the advocacy. Santo’s teammate Ernie Banks said will view someone, my guess is Richard Hamilton County Municipal Court. of his fellow Cub, ‘‘Ronnie has handled his Holbrooke will be considered, hands down, as Judge Panioto became presiding judge of own ailment like the true champion he is. He the best diplomat of my generation. Indeed, he the domestic relations division of the Common is the most courageous person I’ve ever been will be in a small pantheon that includes Ben- Pleas Court in 1981, and he quickly gained a around. I’m inspired by him and by his spirit. jamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Averell reputation for fairness and sensitivity for fami- He is one of my idols, one of my heroes. I Harriman. lies—especially the children—who came be- love Ron Santo.’’ But the public Richard is not all of it: the pri- fore him. Ron Santo passed away on Thursday, De- vate Richard was a generous and loyal friend. On the occasions in domestic cases when cember 2. He will be sorely missed, but his Before joining the Obama Administration, he he had to interview children, Judge Panioto legacy will continue to inspire us all. chaired the Global Business Coalition on HIV/ bought stuffed animals to give to the children f AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. For a time, to put them at ease. one of our grandchildren was on its staff. He Throughout his life, Judge Panioto has right- TRIBUTE TO GENERAL JAMES L. loved her, and forever after asked about her fully been proud of his Italian heritage and JONES life, boyfriends, etc. No question the huge staff served as President of the United Italian Soci- he built over his many careers over many ety from 1971 to 1993. HON. IKE SKELTON years is devastated by his untimely death. Judge Panioto’s diligence, humanity and OF MISSOURI Surely Megan Quitkin is. To Kati, whom he graciousness on the bench have won him the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES adored, and the extended Holbrooke family, respect of the community. Tuesday, December 14, 2010 we mourn your loss—and our country’s loss. Madam Speaker, please join me in wishing I like to think that Richard has just put us all Judge Panioto a long and happy retirement Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me on hold while he takes another call... and thanking his wife Judith, his son Ronald take this means to recognize an American f Jr., his granddaughter Christine and great- hero, General James L. Jones, for his lifetime grandson Andrew for sharing the judge with us of public service. Having served more than 40 2010 MILITARY FAMILY OF THE over all these years. years in the United States Marine Corps as a YEAR f diplomat in the Middle East and around the world, and most recently as the National Se- HON. WALTER B. JONES COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF curity Advisor to the President, he is a true OF NORTH CAROLINA RON SANTO public servant. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES On October 8, 2010, the President an- Tuesday, December 14, 2010 HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY nounced that General Jones made the deci- OF ILLINOIS sion to step aside from his post as National Mr. JONES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Security Advisor and that his good friend and congratulate the Kennedy family for being se- deputy, Tom Donilon, would succeed him. lected as the National Military Family Associa- Tuesday, December 14, 2010 Through the years, I have been honored to tion’s Coast Guard Family of the Year. Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise work with General Jones, and I have always Commander John Kennedy has served in today to draw attention to the passing of leg- trusted him to offer his best counsel on na- the Coast Guard for 16 years. He is supported endary Chicago Cubs third baseman and tional security matters. A true patriot and stra- by his wife, Bobbi, and their 3 children Olivia, broadcaster Ron Santo, and to recognize his tegic visionary, he has performed each and Marissa, and Jack. lifetime of achievement both on and off the every mission with utmost dedication. The The Kennedy family has moved 6 times baseball diamond. American public will forever be indebted to within 14 years, most recently to Atlantic Ronald Edward Santo was born February General Jones and his family for their service Beach, NC. 25, 1940 in Seattle, Washington. Twenty years to our country and the many sacrifices they Cmdr. Kennedy currently serves as Com- later, he made his professional baseball debut have made. manding Officer of the Coast Guard Cutter at third base for the Chicago Cubs. Over his Madam Speaker, I trust my fellow members Elm. 14-year major league career, the first 13 with of the House will join me in paying tribute to The Kennedy family is very active in the the Cubs and the final season with the cross- General James L. Jones for his leadership United States Coast Guard, and their commu- town White Sox, Santo hit 342 home runs, and commitment to the safety and security of nity. They volunteer with Operation Christmas had 1,331 RBIs, won 5 Gold Gloves, and ap- the American people. I wish him and his family Child, and are active with numerous activities peared in 9 All-Star games. He is considered the very best in the days to come. including a variety of athletics and the high perhaps the greatest player not currently in f school marching band. the Hall of Fame. Nonetheless, his number 10 Being a military family has shown them all is immortalized on the North Side, hanging on ON THE DEATH OF AMBASSADOR how to be independent, and taught them what the left field pole at Wrigley Field, which Santo RICHARD HOLBROOKE is truly important in life. referred to as ‘‘my Hall of Fame.’’ The Kennedy’s admit they are not finished After a successful baseball career, Santo HON. JANE HARMAN moving! They will continue to make friends spent 15 years in business before returning to OF CALIFORNIA wherever they go, which exemplifies the Coast the Cubs as the color commentator for WGN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Guard motto of Semper Paratus, ‘‘Always Radio’s Cubs broadcasts in 1990. He spent Ready’’. the next 20 years in the Cubs radio booth, and Tuesday, December 14, 2010 I am proud to have the Kennedy family re- his passion and enthusiasm for the home Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, after hear- side in the 3rd district of North Carolina. I team, which surfaced in disheartened groans ing encouraging news over the last few days, thank all the men and women who have as often as supportive exclamations, endeared learning that my friend Richard Holbrooke had bravely served in our military. him to a new generation of Cubs fans. Santo died last night felt like a sucker punch. A day Congratulations to the Kennedy family on always seemed at ease in the WGN booth later, it still does. 2010 Military Family of the Year! VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:45 Dec 15, 2010 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14DE8.031 E14DEPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with REMARKS December 14, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2135 OFFERING CONDOLENCES TO THE friend. In short, his commitment to public serv- mathematics at Lenore and Williamson High FAMILY OF J. EUGENE QUINN ice was truly remarkable. His life and contribu- Schools in Mingo County, and at Lookout High tions will certainly be missed by many. School in Fayette County. From 1965 to 1973, HON. PETER T. KING f Rhoda served as Supervisor of Mathematics OF NEW YORK for Fayette County. In 1973, she retired after HONORING RHODA VIRGINIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 40 years as an educator and supervisor. Her HOFSTETTER ON HER 100TH beloved husband, Martin Hofstetter, passed Tuesday, December 14, 2010 BIRTHDAY away the same year.