The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF ANTHONY DiPACE
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HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Friday, January 28, 2022
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today and ask the House to observe the passing of a true gentleman and public-spirited citizen of the State of Connecticut, Mr. Anthony ``Tony'' DiPace. After a courageous battle with cancer, Tony unfortunately passed on from this earth on January 22, 2022, at the age of 62.
Born in Hartford in 1960 to Concetta and Angela DiPace, Tony was ingrained with the Connecticut spirit since birth. It was not long after his entry into this world, however, that tragedy was forced upon him with the loss of his mother, resulting in an early transition into the loving Wee and Rose Crowley household based in Enfield, Connecticut. Both out of this loss and his fostering under the Crowley's, Tony gained an early understanding to the importance of discovering one's own roots and connecting with those who surround us in our daily lives. It was therefore without question that upon graduating Fermi High School in 1978, Tony saw the value in keeping close to the town that raised him and went on to graduate at the top of his class from United Technical School in Springfield, Massachusetts just a stone's throw away from Enfield.
Armed with his certification as a master mechanic, Tony quickly became an integral part of his hometown, opening his own automotive business, ``Hazard Motors.'' Though he kept up with the success of his one-stop-shop for more than 34 years in order to build a foundation for his family, he also always put the customer-in-need before himself. Beyond the success of his business, Tony lived a life in constant search for new connections with his neighbors so that, together, they could work to create a more prosperous town for the next generation, including his son, Anthony.
It is with no surprise that a caring man like Tony found time to wear just about every hat in town. Included within his tenured service was 40 years with the Enfield Democratic Town Committee, where he constantly discussed and put forward municipal priorities. His dedication earned him a several stints in both elected and membership positions, including his advocacy as the former Chairman of the Enfield Planning & Zoning Commission as well as his service as the Chair of the Democratic Town Committee. Throughout all of these efforts, his clear and present passion and candid character made him a capable unifying voice in Enfield, which he was most recently recognized for with the William ``Red'' Edger, Jr. ``Democrat of the Year'' Award in 2021.
Tony was also sought to establish a positive impact with the town's youth. Whether it was through the local concession stand, as coach for youth teams, or his sponsorship of the youth basketball and baseball programs, it was always Tony's goal to set up the next generation for success, affording them the same appreciation for the Town which he found while growing up.
Madam Speaker, Tony was purely altruistic, always thinking of those around him and how he could help them. I had the distinct pleasure and honor to know Tony for over 20 years and often had a front-row seat to his fine work in the auto repair business. He always had his sleeves folded up, ready to get into the grease and get the job done in order to excel beyond the needs of the customer. I also know that he was diligent and passionate with his involvement in town affairs and that he poured his heart and soul into any activity laid before him. Through everything he accomplished, whether it was his contributions to the town's economy, through municipal government, or investing in youth activities, it is worth emphasizing that it was always about leaving behind a stronger community for whom Tony considered family. Though this perspective was Tony's guiding North Star throughout his entire life, everything he did, was in some small way tied to leaving Enfield and our State a better place for Anthony.
Madam Speaker, though the Enfield community lost a force for good with the passing of Tony DiPace, we will always find the space to honor his legacy which now thrives through just about every member of the Enfield community. It is also through the roots of the Crowley family that we can entrust Tony's many surviving brothers and sisters--
wherever they may reside--to carry his memory forward. To that end, it is with great respect and admiration that I ask my colleagues in the House join me, in addition to all those that will remember Tony DiPace, in honoring his life and impact on his community.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 18
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