DeLauro Honors Life and Legacy of Robert Juliano

WASHINGTON – House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued this statement on the passing of Bob Juliano:

"My heart breaks over the passing of Robert Juliano, my dear friend that many of us affectionately knew as Cool Bobby J. A longtime labor representative and an unmatched champion of workers, Bob's efforts in Washington, DC, were guided by his work in the 1960s and 1970s as an elevator operator on the West Side of Chicago.

"Bob believed deeply in the power of bipartisanship to protect workers. He came to Washington to serve as a legislative representative for the Hotel and Restaurant Employees International Union. He served as chairman and vice chairman of the U.S. Government's Travel and Tourism Advisory Board in the 1980s and 1990s.

"A fierce advocate in the labor movement and a friend to all—Bob shook hands and became close with some of our nation's top leaders in the fight for labor equality. He worked with UNITE HERE to protect the health care benefits of retired miners and worked on nearly every major piece of labor legislation over the last four decades.

"Bob loved telling the story of an event he hosted at his house—'a pizza competition.' I brought the best pizza in the country from New Haven, CT, and he brought a deep dish pizza from Chicago. The way he tells it, deep dish pizza won, but everyone in attendance knows New Haven pizza won by a landslide. Our pizza preferences may have differed, but as children of Italian immigrants, we created an unwavering bond.

"I am praying for Bob and send my deepest condolences to his family. May the memory of his legacy and good humor live on, and may he rest in rest in peace."