Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-21

HONORING THE LIFE OF MATTHEW J. FISHER

TaxesHousingCrime & Justice

Context

On 2026-01-21, Representative Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY-26) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF MATTHEW J. FISHER" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered housing, crime and justice.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE OF MATTHEW J. FISHER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H1128] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF MATTHEW J. FISHER (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Matthew J. Fisher, a pillar of south Buffalo, who tragically passed away on December 12, 2025, at the age of 57. Born and raised in south Buffalo by his parents, Richard Sr. and Joann, Matt grew up surrounded by family, friends, and the close-knit parish of St. Ambrose Catholic Church. It was there that he built lifelong friendships and learned what it meant to belong to a community rooted in shared responsibility to one another. A graduate of Canisius High School and Buffalo State University, he studied in the community that raised him, carrying those lessons with him throughout his life. Matt was a loving husband, a devoted father, a man of deep faith and a humble voice for good whose impact will continue to be felt in our community for generations. He lived out his values through acts of service, compassion, and an unwavering belief that making the world a better place begins in our neighborhoods, in our houses of worship, and in the everyday moments where dignity and care matter most. That sense of belonging stayed with him his entire life and guided his decision to raise his own family in the very same neighborhood that raised him. Matt was a devout Catholic, an active parishioner, and a eucharistic minister who lived his faith outwardly. He prayed for those who were struggling. He showed up for those in need, and he treated everyone he encountered with authenticity, humility, and genuine care. Matt's spirit of service defined his professional pursuits as a housing and economic development professional. Whether working for Erie County, the city of Buffalo, or organizations like the Old First Ward Community Association, Matt devoted his career to public service. Because of his work, countless families in western New York were able to remain in their homes, invest in their families, and navigate systems that are often overwhelming and complex. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Matt's heart was firmly planted in our community. Matt served as chairman of the South Buffalo Neighborhood Accountability Board and founded South Buffalo CREW, Concerned Residents Engaged in Work. In those roles, Matt championed grassroots initiatives that focused on beautifying our neighborhood and supporting our small businesses. As president of South Buffalo Baseball, he mentored countless young people. He was committed to keeping the program affordable, inclusive, and rooted in the neighborhood because he believed every child deserved a place to belong. Matt Fisher's legacy reminds us that the soul of this country is found in people who live extraordinary lives of service and the neighbors who coach little league teams, check in on the elderly, serve at their parish, and quietly make their community stronger day by day. To his beloved wife, Dina, and to their children Joseph, Hannah, Anthony, Veronica, Nicholas, and Aidan: Our community, State, and Nation mourns with you. South Buffalo and western New York are stronger because of Matt Fisher. Our community and our country are better because of him. May we carry forward his example and care for our neighbors with the same faith, generosity, and love that Matthew J. Fisher showed us every single day. May he rest in peace. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE OF MATTHEW J. FISHER Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H1128] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF MATTHEW J. FISHER (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Matthew J. Fisher, a pillar of south Buffalo, who tragically passed away on December 12, 2025, at the age of 57. Born and raised in south Buffalo by his parents, Richard Sr. and Joann, Matt grew up surrounded by family, friends, and the close-knit parish of St. Ambrose Catholic Church. It was there that he built lifelong friendships and learned what it meant to belong to a community rooted in shared responsibility to one another. A graduate of Canisius High School and Buffalo State University, he studied in the community that raised him, carrying those lessons with him throughout his life. Matt was a loving husband, a devoted father, a man of deep faith and a humble voice for good whose impact will continue to be felt in our community for generations. He lived out his values through acts of service, compassion, and an unwavering belief that making the world a better place begins in our neighborhoods, in our houses of worship, and in the everyday moments where dignity and care matter most. That sense of belonging stayed with him his entire life and guided his decision to raise his own family in the very same neighborhood that raised him. Matt was a devout Catholic, an active parishioner, and a eucharistic minister who lived his faith outwardly. He prayed for those who were struggling. He showed up for those in need, and he treated everyone he encountered with authenticity, humility, and genuine care. Matt's spirit of service defined his professional pursuits as a housing and economic development professional. Whether working for Erie County, the city of Buffalo, or organizations like the Old First Ward Community Association, Matt devoted his career to public service. Because of his work, countless families in western New York were able to remain in their homes, invest in their families, and navigate systems that are often overwhelming and complex. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Matt's heart was firmly planted in our community. Matt served as chairman of the South Buffalo Neighborhood Accountability Board and founded South Buffalo CREW, Concerned Residents Engaged in Work. In those roles, Matt championed grassroots initiatives that focused on beautifying our neighborhood and supporting our small businesses. As president of South Buffalo Baseball, he mentored countless young people. He was committed to keeping the program affordable, inclusive, and rooted in the neighborhood because he believed every child deserved a place to belong. Matt Fisher's legacy reminds us that the soul of this country is found in people who live extraordinary lives of service and the neighbors who coach little league teams, check in on the elderly, serve at their parish, and quietly make their community stronger day by day. To his beloved wife, Dina, and to their children Joseph, Hannah, Anthony, Veronica, Nicholas, and Aidan: Our community, State, and Nation mourns with you. South Buffalo and western New York are stronger because of Matt Fisher. Our community and our country are better because of him. May we carry forward his example and care for our neighbors with the same faith, generosity, and love that Matthew J. Fisher showed us every single day. May he rest in peace. ____________________