Recognizing Congressional Patriot Award Recipient Buddy Pellerin

Floor Speech

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Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the life of Coach George ``Buddy'' Pellerin of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Coach Pellerin peacefully passed away on July 4, 2016.

Coach Pellerin was born on January 9, 1939, in Pittsfield. He attended St. Joseph's High School, where he played baseball and achieved All Berkshire Baseball Player status. In 1962, Coach Pellerin graduated from North Adams State College. During his senior year, Coach Pellerin served as a player-coach, which led him to launch a legendary coaching career spanning over five decades. He successfully led several high school baseball, softball, and football teams to numerous state championships and was known for his confidence, professionalism, and charismatic leadership style. For his outstanding work and contributions to the city, Coach Pellerin was inducted into the Massachusetts Coach Hall of Fame, the UNICO Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Hall of Fame. The Buddy Pellerin Field at Clapp Park has also been designated in his honor.

After he retired from the Pittsfield School Department in 2000, Coach Pellerin volunteered as a Little League coach and for the Babe Ruth All Stars team. He also led summer baseball camps at the local Boy's and Girls Club for fifteen years and founded the Rip City Training Center in Pittsfield. Rip City grants scholarships for students to train at the center and excel in their academic and professional careers. In addition to his famed coaching career, Coach Pellerin was most proud of being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. I'm proud to recognize Coach Pellerin for making a positive impact on our community and inspiring countless students and athletes to succeed.

It is an honor to bestow Coach Pellerin with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of Pittsfield. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

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