Pelosi Statement on Passing of Ted Venetoulis

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released this statement on the passing of former Baltimore County executive Ted Venetoulis:

"It is with deep sadness and great respect for his life of patriotic public service that I join so many in the Baltimore area and across the country in mourning the passing of Ted Venetoulis.

"Ted Venetoulis was a revered part of the fabric of our community. His decades of service – not only as an elected official, but as a journalist, member of countless local commissions and mentor and confidante to so many – were unsurpassed. Ted was a reformer who believed deeply in making government more open to the people, and his leadership strengthened our democracy by bringing integrity, accountability and innovation to politics.

"Ted's brilliance was well known and his kindness, warmth and commitment to helping others were legendary and will be remembered by all blessed to know him.

"Personally, Ted was my close friend for many years and a friend to the whole D'Alesandro family. My brother Tommy and he were brothers in the Democratic Party. Ted and Lynn and Tommy and Margie shared the warmest friendship. May it be a comfort to Lynn, the Venetoulis children and all their loved ones that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time."