The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. ANDREW ``DREW'' DeGRAFFENREIDT III
______
HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Andrew DeGraffenreidt III. Andrew was the perfect embodiment of the saying: ``find something you love, and you will never work a day of your life'', as he continued to passionately study and practice law until the very end with the sole motivation to help others. As a devoted lawyer he tirelessly worked to assist others and his community. We have lost a great leader, a loving father, and a dear friend.
Andrew dedicated his life to mastering law and guiding young professionals in the legal community. He touched many lives during his extensive and successful legal career that spanned over 43 years until his untimely passing. Andrew was deeply committed to his community and his legal career, and like so many incredible individuals, his story had humble beginnings. Andrew's first job after graduating from the University of Miami Law School was serving as a Research Aide for General Counsel of Broward County, Florida. He then served as Deputy City Attorney for the city of Hollywood, Florida, and later became the city of Hollywood's first African American City Attorney. Additionally, during his successful career Andrew practiced private law where he led his own law firm twice. Furthermore, his extensive litigation experience in civil law set him apart from other attorneys, and his wealth of knowledge ultimately led him to serve as City Attorney of Riviera Beach, Florida, a position he valiantly held until 2019.
From 2019 to the present, Andrew spent his time handling select cases, and serving as an insightful and experienced mentor to young lawyers. He truly embodied the ethos of a ``life-long learner'' and continued to serve his community to the end.
To Andrew, family, faith, and love was of the utmost importance. As a member of Christ Family Worship Assembly his love for others was magnified through his commitment to God. He was most notably the devoted husband of Mary Sheely DeGraffenreidt and the proud father of seven children: Tatanisha, Reghan, Shaundelyn, Kayla, Farren, Douglas, and Andrew IV.
Madam Speaker, Mr. Andrew DeGraffenreidt III has indeed left an indelible mark on his loved ones, his community, and will be a role model for future generations to come. He will be dearly missed.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 31
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