The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF NORBERT ``BUD'' FAY
______
HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Friday, March 19, 2021
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to observe and mourn the passing of a talented businessman, veteran, husband, father, and a patriotic Nutmegger through and through--Norbert ``Bud'' Fay, of Groton, Connecticut. A pillar of southeastern CT, Bud passed away at the age of 94 at his residence on January 9, 2021.
While Bud has moved on--we now cherish his life and the positive impact he had on the lives of others and his hometown of Groton. Born in 1927, Bud was civic minded early in life and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Bud's commitment to his community and country translated into his enlistment in the United States NAVY, serving with the greatest generation in World War II as a member of a Gun Crew on Merchant Tankers. During the war, Bud flew for two companies that rebuilt war surplus aircraft. His heroism and iron will during World War II will always be remembered by us here in eastern Connecticut and we cannot thank and appreciate Bud enough for his commitment and sacrifice to our nation.
Upon his retirement from the military, Bud set his sights on doing business in eastern Connecticut--and the rest is history. With the same vigor and passion he used to serve his country--Bud quickly developed an entrepreneurial flare and started his first business, a car dealership in Waterford. A natural businessman--Bud develop a rapport with the local business community and even helped initiate the Groton Business Association which exists to this day. With his ever-expanding business acumen, Bud found his way into working for Davis Standard in Pawcatuck and joined the team that pioneered the early development of plastic product machinery. Bud hit the ground running as soon as he retired from the NAVY. As testament to his energy and hard work, he was once named National Association of Independent Businessmen's New England's Small Businessman of the Year. Later in life, Bud would go on to open a restaurant, laundromat, and other businesses which he operated on Route 12 in Groton for 22 years. His restaurant ``Pop and Mum's'' was a place where members of the NAVY could grab a bite to eat and have a warm conversation with Bud where he would regale of his experiences in the military and offer a friendly ear. Bud was always there for the local NAVY sailors when they needed him.
But to his core, Bud was a fighter for his community. This was demonstrated in his fight to save the century old Naval Submarine Base New London, which the Pentagon under the Bush administration added to a list of bases recommended for permanent closure in 2005. A eastern Connecticut with no sub-base would have spelt economic disaster for so many in the Second District, not to mention the thousands of NAVY personnel who were stationed at the base and who's children made up a significant portion of the area's schools. Bud fought like hell to ensure that this would not happen and through his voice and the collective voice of all of eastern Connecticut--the base was taken off the list and flourishes to this day. Bud was never asked or obligated to do his part in saving the livelihoods of so many here in Connecticut but did so out of his own sheer will and we will never forget his commitment to save the base.
Many in Groton and the surrounding also knew Bud as ``Pop'' because he was a beacon of wisdom and was someone who would always be there if you needed him. Bud was a humble man and was as down to earth as they came. He understood that life required positivity and he always said,
``life's a learning experience--enjoy every minute.'' When Bud wasn't running his businesses or leading a community initiative--he enjoyed visiting folks at the Fairview retirement community, using his flying simulator, or reading.
Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues and this Chamber join me in expressing our deepest respect for Bud's life and that we send our deepest condolences to his Family. Bud was predeceased by his first wife Muriel Fay. He remarried Barbara Nelson who he leaves behind alongside two daughters, Sharlene Aspinwall and Daurene Graf, two stepdaughters Cheryl Elci and Laura Nelson, eight grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Bud will forever remain a symbol of love and patriotism in southeastern Connecticut and we will use his life as an inspiration to do good for our community.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 52
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