Floor SpeechNeutral2026-01-20

HONORING THE LIFE OF LEDA A. MELIDEO

Crime & Justice

Context

On 2026-01-20, Representative Pat Fallon (R-TX-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF LEDA A. MELIDEO" in the House. The speech addressed crime and justice.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE OF LEDA A. MELIDEO

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E58] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF LEDA A. MELIDEO _____ HON. PAT FALLON of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Leda A. Melideo, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, who passed away on December 20, 2025. Leda A. Melideo was born on December 1, 1929, at home in the Lakewood section of Pittsfield, the daughter of the late Frank and Ida Curini Tranquilli. Her family later moved to the Morningside neighborhood, where she attended Crane School and went on to graduate from St. Joseph's High School as a member of the Class of 1947. A woman of deep faith, Leda was a lifelong parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, where her values of compassion, gratitude, and service were reflected throughout her life. On April 29, 1950, Leda married the love of her life, Anthony Melideo. Together, they shared 63 years of marriage and built a family rooted in love, devotion, and togetherness. She was a devoted mother to four children: Nancy (Houghton) Smith of Greenfield, Massachusetts; Joseph P. Melideo of Fultonville, New York; Anthony A. Melideo, with whom she resided; and Thomas A. Melideo and his wife, Gabriela, of Vienna, Virginia. She was predeceased by her husband, Anthony; her brother, Faro; and her sister, Diana Carlon. Leda's legacy continues through her family, including her three grandchildren--Marissa Kelleher and her husband, Sean; Sophia Melideo; and Samuel Melideo--her two great-grandsons, Callan and Nolan Kelleher, and several nieces and nephews who were blessed by her love and guidance. Known affectionately as ``Nonni,'' Leda was a bright light to all who knew her. She possessed a remarkable ability to find joy in everyday life and to inspire that same joy in others. Her contagious laughter, warm smile, and kind spirit made everyone feel welcome, and she was the heart of countless happy memories that her family and friends will cherish forever. Above all, she found her greatest joy in spending time with family and friends, embracing each moment with gratitude and grace. I am honored to recognize Leda A. Melideo for a life beautifully lived--one defined by love, faith, family, and kindness. Her legacy will endure in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her memory will remain a lasting blessing to the Pittsfield community and beyond. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE OF LEDA A. MELIDEO Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E58] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF LEDA A. MELIDEO _____ HON. PAT FALLON of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Leda A. Melideo, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, who passed away on December 20, 2025. Leda A. Melideo was born on December 1, 1929, at home in the Lakewood section of Pittsfield, the daughter of the late Frank and Ida Curini Tranquilli. Her family later moved to the Morningside neighborhood, where she attended Crane School and went on to graduate from St. Joseph's High School as a member of the Class of 1947. A woman of deep faith, Leda was a lifelong parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, where her values of compassion, gratitude, and service were reflected throughout her life. On April 29, 1950, Leda married the love of her life, Anthony Melideo. Together, they shared 63 years of marriage and built a family rooted in love, devotion, and togetherness. She was a devoted mother to four children: Nancy (Houghton) Smith of Greenfield, Massachusetts; Joseph P. Melideo of Fultonville, New York; Anthony A. Melideo, with whom she resided; and Thomas A. Melideo and his wife, Gabriela, of Vienna, Virginia. She was predeceased by her husband, Anthony; her brother, Faro; and her sister, Diana Carlon. Leda's legacy continues through her family, including her three grandchildren--Marissa Kelleher and her husband, Sean; Sophia Melideo; and Samuel Melideo--her two great-grandsons, Callan and Nolan Kelleher, and several nieces and nephews who were blessed by her love and guidance. Known affectionately as ``Nonni,'' Leda was a bright light to all who knew her. She possessed a remarkable ability to find joy in everyday life and to inspire that same joy in others. Her contagious laughter, warm smile, and kind spirit made everyone feel welcome, and she was the heart of countless happy memories that her family and friends will cherish forever. Above all, she found her greatest joy in spending time with family and friends, embracing each moment with gratitude and grace. I am honored to recognize Leda A. Melideo for a life beautifully lived--one defined by love, faith, family, and kindness. Her legacy will endure in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her memory will remain a lasting blessing to the Pittsfield community and beyond. ____________________