Marcy Kaptur: “tonight I come to the floor with a heavy heart because Ohio has lost one of her favorite sons on the 4th of July. I have…”

“tonight I come to the floor with a heavy heart because Ohio has lost one of her favorite sons on the 4th of July. I have asked for this time to say a few words on behalf of the people of our great State on the life of Anthony J. Celebrezze, Jr., who died of a heart attack last Saturday at age 61. Tony had just finished a heated race in his replica 1937 Chevy at a speedway in central Ohio. He loved competition, he loved turning a wrench, and he loved getting behind the wheel of his Legends car. No one would have known that he came from one of the most distinguished political families in Ohio history. Tony's father, Anthony J. Celebrezze, was mayor of Cleveland for 5 years and then served in President John F. Kennedy's cabinet as Secretary of what was then called Health, Education, and Welfare. Tony was a graduate of John Marshall High School in Cleveland and went on to the U.S. Naval Academy class of 1963. He served 5 years in the Navy and earned the Naval Commendation Medal. He received his law degree from Cleveland State University and launched his successful political career in 1974, winning election to the Ohio Senate. In 1978, he was elected Secretary of State and served one term. In 1982 he won the election as Ohio's Attorney General and won reelection in 1986. Tony was a very popular Ohio figure. He ran unsuccessfully for Governor in 1990. As Attorney General, Tony Celebrezze won accolades for his efforts to protect consumers and the environment.”