Mr. Speaker. Last week, the State of Michigan and Detroit area lost two members of the community who’s lives were characterized by a commitment to helping others and I am here today to pay tribute to them.
Jack Kelly’s 19 years of public service on the Detroit City Council were characterized by his eagerness to help others and vivacious, colorful character. Mr. Kelley passed away last Wednesday at the age of 77, but the reputation he earned during his 2 decades of service on the Council will ensure his memory lives on for years to come.
Mr. Kelly spent most of his life in the Detroit area. He graduated from St. Francis DeSales High School after which he joined the Navy and served his country for 30 months in the Pacific Arena during World War II.
Mr. Kelley returned home where he first began a career of public service and was appointed Deputy Director of the Building and Safety Engineering Department by Mayor Cavanagh–a post he held for 30 years. He continued his career in public service after winning a City Council seat in 1974.
Mr. Kelley’s career on the City Council is marked by his colorful character, eagerness to help others and devotion to the people he served. Throughout his 19 years on the council, Mr. Kelley earned the respect of his colleagues and other officials throughout the ranks of city government. He knew the art of telling a story and used his talent to effectively prove a point. Mr. Kelley was a man with few inhibitions and was not afraid to say what was on his mind. The Detroit area will miss Mr. Kelley and will not forget everything he did during his 2 decades of devout service.
Local Attorney, active community member and personal friend, Charles “Chuck” Tangora established a long legacy of community service in his hometown of Farmington and the surrounding area and will truly be missed. He practiced law in Livonia for 35 years, raised a family and still found time to give back to his community.
Mr. Tangora’s leadership abilities are demonstrated through his post as President of the Italian American Club, past President of Livonia Rotary and of American Diabetes but he is just as well known for his ability to bring people together. His involvement in various fund-raising projects benefitted many local organizations and was instrumental in raising the sizeable award which helped police solve the Marco Pesce family murder case.
Mr. Tangora’s contributions to his community were motivated solely by good will--he expected nothing in return. His involvement had a significant influence over the community and will serve as a memorial to him. He will be missed by his family, friends and the community.