Recognizing the Life and Accomplishments of Joseph A. Hardy III

Floor Speech

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Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Joseph Hardy, a pioneer in the building materials industry from Fayette County, Pennsylvania, who passed away on his 100th birthday on January 7, 2023.

During his final year attending Lehigh University, Mr. Hardy answered the call of duty, enlisting in the United States Army at the outbreak of World War II. After serving his nation as a radioman for the Army Air Corps in the Pacific, he returned home to pursue an industrial engineering degree at the University of Pittsburgh.

After working part-time for his family's farm and jewelry store, Mr. Hardy founded Green Hills Lumber. After several successful years, he purchased land in Eighty-Four, Pennsylvania, and opened a ``cash and carry'' lumber yard, the 84 Lumber Company, which would become the nation's largest privately-held building materials supplier.

In 1987, Mr. Hardy began purchasing 400 acres of land in Fayette County. This mountainous landscape became home to what is now the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Today, Nemacolin is one of North America's premier resort destinations and a shining example of Mr. Hardy's vision in the Keystone State.

In addition to the job creation in southwestern Pennsylvania, he generously invested in the redevelopment of the resort's surrounding area. Mr. Hardy was famously quoted as saying, ``I want to die broke. For the remainder of my life, I want to enjoy and participate in the giving of money to help improve people's lives.'' This selfless spirit nourished in his roles as Vice Chair of the Board of Commissioners of Fayette County and the Board of Trustees at the University of Pittsburgh and Washington & Jefferson College.

Mr. Speaker, Joseph A. Hardy III's entrepreneurial spirit, commitment, and generosity to southwestern Pennsylvania, in addition to his service to our Nation, exemplify a well-lived life. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I extend my condolences to Mr. Hardy's family and wish them healing during this difficult time.

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