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Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Timothy M. Kennedy.
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June 30, 2026
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Download official House Record PDFReturn to issue contextMr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of a remarkable young western New Yorker and St. Joe's student, Dominic P. Strangio of Niagara Falls, whose courageous battle with cancer came to an end on April 22, 2026, at just 16 years old.
Sofia and Frankie, and a treasured grandson, cousin, teammate, classmate, and friend. Though his time on this Earth was far too short, the impact he made on those around him will endure for generations.
Dominic was a proud Marauder, attending St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute. As someone who walked those halls myself, I know firsthand the values St. Joe's seeks to instill: faith, brotherhood, compassion, and service to others.
Dominic embodied those values in every sense. The entire St. Joe's community mourns this immeasurable loss alongside the Strangio family, united in both grief and gratitude for having known such an extraordinary young man.
on. Off the field, he loved hanging out with his cherished friends, going on fishing trips with his papa, and spending Sunday afternoons at his nonna's kitchen table. He found joy in the simple gifts of life and treasured every moment spent with his brother and sister.
inspired so many. It was how he faced adversity. Throughout his illness, Dominic demonstrated courage and grace far beyond his years. Guided by his faith, he remained selfless, optimistic, and resilient. He never complained. He continued to think of others even as he confronted challenges that few adults could ever imagine.
Mr. Speaker, while Dominic's years were few, his example was immense. May we all carry forward his kindness, faith, resilience, and love for his family.
To Dominic's parents, Frank and Sara; his brother, Frankie; his sister, Sofia; and all who mourn this tremendous loss, our Nation and our community mourn with you.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us. Live, Jesus, in our hearts forever.
May Dominic Strangio rest in peace.
Celebrating 100th Anniversary of The Buffalo Criterion
Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the history of western New York: the 100th anniversary of The Buffalo Criterion.
Founded by Frank Merriweather, Sr., and his wife, Carmelita, The Criterion is the oldest Black-owned newspaper in western New York and the oldest Black-owned business in Erie County.
carried forward a simple but powerful mission: to tell the stories that too often go untold and to ensure that Buffalo's Black community has a voice that is heard loud and clear.
Frank Merriweather, Sr., a graduate of the Tuskegee Institute, who studied under Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver, understood that journalism would be a force for justice, opportunity, and change. That vision has endured for 100 years and counting.
From the extraordinary leadership of Frank Merriweather, Jr., to Evelyn Patterson Merriweather, Frank Merriweather III, Dr. Eva Doyle, and countless dedicated journalists, photographers, and community leaders, The Criterion has chronicled the triumphs, struggles, and aspirations of generations of western New Yorkers.
attack at Tops on Jefferson on May 14, 2022, The Buffalo Criterion helped to tell Buffalo's story to the Nation and the global community.
clarity, strength, and healing. That is what The Criterion does. It leads.
who has played a role and helped to make The Buffalo Criterion an enduring institution in Buffalo and throughout western New York.