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Antenucci, Alfred [Assassination Attempt on President Reagan] (3)
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135840931
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Antenucci, Alfred [Assassination Attempt on President Reagan] (3)
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual
collections.
Collection: Hauser, Richard A.: Files
Folder Title: Antenucci, Alfred [Assassination
Attempt on President Reagan] [3 of 3]
Box: OA 6195
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at:
[email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
225106
ME00/-03
THE WHITE HOUSE
1 ORM
P
Y
WASHINGTON
May 3, 1984
Betty
MEMORANDUM FOR DODIE LIVINGSTON
THRU:
WILLIAM HENKEL
BR advance + 7565
pad
FROM:
BETTY RICHTER
SUBJECT:
Request for Telegram
At 10:45 am this morning we received a phone call from Lynn
Kortavach (614-461-4000) at Reagan/Bush - Ohio.
She said she had been in contact with a Dominic Antenucci whose
father is Al Antenucci. Mr. Antenucci is the man who tackled
Hinkley at the shooting incident. Mr. Al Antenucci is on the
critical list after suffering a heart attack last weekend. Ms.
Kortavach thought that maybe the President would like to send a
telegram to Al Antenucci. (He is also a very active labor
person.)
Since Mr. Antenucci is in intensive care and things do not look
good for him, if we want to send a telegram it will have to be
done immediately. I leave it in your hands.
Thank you and could you please let me know the action taken on
this so I can get back to Lynn at R/B - Ohio since she is in
contact with the son?
Al Antenucci
c/o MARYMOUNT HOSPITAL
12300 McCracken Road
Garfield Heights, Ohio 44125
Rm. ICU-# 18
Phone # - 216 - 581-0500
al
225186
XX
4000
May 2, 1984
MECOI-03
X
Mr. Alfred Antenucci
Marymount Hospital
LDJ
12300 McCracken Road
Garfield Heights, Ohio 44125
Mr. Antenucci:
Nancy and I want you to know that we are pulling for you.
We are very sorry about your hospitalization and we join
the many who are remembering you in their thoughts and
prayers.
Please take care, and God bless you.
RONALD REAGAN
Getwell May tent
Anne Higgins
456-7610-
RR:AVH:PAG:pps
bcc: Sue Mathis
THE WHITE HOUSE for Broad
WASHINGTON
ANteNUCCI, Alfred
Marymount Hospital "critical"
12300 McCracken Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44125
Heights,
bee: Press age.
Sue Mathis
6623
(216)581-0500
TWX 9104211812
Line 1
CONNECTED
02-May-84 17:29 27
WU INFOMASTER
WHITEHCUSE WSH
0205411123 1721EST
012 GOVT DLY UHITE HOUSE DC MAY 2
PMS MR. ALFRED ANTENUCCI
MARYMOUNT HOSPITAL, DLR DONT DWR
12300 MCCRACKEN ROAD
GARFIELD HEIGHTS. CHIO 44125
?WH?
MR. ANTENUCCI:
NANCY AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE ARE PULLING FOR YOU.
WE ARE VERY SORRY ABOUT YOUR HOSPITALIZATION AND WE JOIN
THE MANY WHO ARE REMEMBERING YOU IN THEIR THOUGHTS AND
PRAYERS.
PLEASE TAKE CARE, AND GOD BLESS YOU.
RONALD REAGAN
039965
4200
TR 4300
ME001
September 17 1981
COPY
IL003-01
from ORM
BE003
Dear Mr. McNamara:
LA
message-
Nancy and I are very proud to add our
MA
congratulations as your friends in the
Cleveland business and labor community
LGCleveland
gather to honor what you did to help
me on March 30,
HEOOY
You will never know how grateful we are
for your bravery and quick thinking, and
H9005
we both hhank you from the bottom of our
hearts.
With warm personal regard.
Sincerely,
RONALD REAGAN A
Mr. Frank McNamara
8405 Whitehaven Drive
Parma, Ohio 44129
Sent to: Mr. James V. Patton
Vice President-Corporate Relations
Blue Cross/Blue Shield
2006 East Ningh Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
I/O
Presidential letter to
Donaldh Reardan
Edward Lechner
alfred Antenucci, dated
X
9-17-21, also attached
810918
September 17, 1981
Dear Mr. Antenucci:
Nancy and I welcome the opportunity to
extend our congratulations on this
special tribute being paid to you by
the Cleveland labor and business community.
We are more grateful than we can say for
the courageous way in which you came to
my aid during the shooting incident last
March. You risked your own safety to
assist me.
With warm personal regard.
Sincerely,
RONALD REAGAN A
Mr. Alfred Antenucci
5387 E. 111th Street
Garfield Heights, Ohio 44137
RR:LIVINGSTON:v
sent
cc: H.VanDamm/A.Locke/G.Newel1/CF
EVENT: SEPT. 24
Sent to:
Mr. James V. Patton
Vice President-Corporate Relations
Blue/Cross/Blue Shield
2006 East Ninth Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
810918
Health
Education
Series '81
A series of luncheon
and dinner seminars designed
to exchange ideas between
nationally-recognized authorities
and a select group of decision-makers,
executives, labor leaders, and professionals.
The purpose of "Health Education Series '81"
is to enable busy executives to
become better informed about new directions
in the health care field.
Presented by
Corporate Relations
Blue Cross of Northeast Ohio
Communications
Medical Mutual of Cleveland, Inc.
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
in Northeast Ohio
September 24, 1981
Luncheon - 12 Noon
Bond Court Hotel, 777 St. Clair Avenue
GEORGE F. WILL
Syndicated Columnist
and Author
George F. Will has degrees from
Trinity College in Hartford,
Connecticut: Oxford University;
and his Pn.D. from Princeton
University. He taught political
philosophy at Michigan State
University and the University of
Toronto.
He was Washington Editor of National Review magazine.
In 1974 he began a syndicated newspaper column which
today appears in more than 300 newspapers. He is a
contributing editor of Newsweek. He is a regular member
of the Agronsky & Company television panel, and appears
frequently on Meet the Press.
In 1977 Mr. Will was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for
distinguished commentary. Earlier, Time magazine
selected him as one of the 200 leaders of tomorrow.
Harper & Row published a collection of his columns, "The
Pursuit of Happiness. and Other Sobering Thoughts."
WILLIAM H. BRYANT
President
Greater Cleveland
Growth Association
Comments and
Introduction of Speaker
William Bryant joined the
Greater Cleveland Growth
Association in 1969. He served
in several capacities before
being named President in 1980.
He serves in many related Chamber of Commerce activities
- Board of Regents of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's
Institute for Organization Management and the Executive
Committee of Chamber of Commerce Executives in Ohio.
He is head of the Finance Committee of the Convention
and Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland.
An Ohican. Mr. Bryant has undergraduate and graduate
degrees from The University of Akron.
Honor Labor Leaders who came to the aid of Presi-
dent Ronald Reagan during the assassination
attempt in Washington. D.C., on March 30. 1981:
Alfred Antenucci
President and Business Manager
Carpenters Local 1750
Frank McNamara
President
Carpenters and Building Trades
Unions, State and Local
phoned
These by
Ф out at
A.M.
7R1
latest
the
Dept 24 Dept 24
DODIE-
We promised a message for this
for Blue Cross/Blue Shield meeting
honoring Frank McNamara and Alfred
Antenucci.
File attached.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 11, 1981
TO: MARY RAWLINS
Mary, please DO promise a
message and route copy and
incoming to me.
Thank you.
DODIE Dodee LIVINGSTON
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
9/14/81
Mr. James Patton's secretary
notified today that we would
be sending a message from
the President for their
presentation on September 24th.
Netta Dickey
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
9/8/81
NOTE FOR DODIE LIVINGSTON
Dodie -
We will regret on the attached
for the President or his representative -
Anne Higgins forwarded this to Greg,
as you will note, suggesting a msg --
ok to tell Mr. Patton P will send
a message to Mr. McNamara and
Mr. Antenucci?
Thanks
may
Mary Rawlins
DATE: 9-8-81
TO: Grey newell
have you seen
this not - message
should 98- - assume
from Dodie as
an event -
FROM:
ANNE apre V. HIGGINS
Director of Presidential
Correspondence
Room 94
Extension 7610
ANTENUCCI
Dear Mr. Antenucci:
Nancy and I welcome the opportunity to extend our
congratulations on this special tribute being paid
the cleveland labor and business
to you by
community.
We are more grateful than we can say for
-
the courageous way in which you came to my aid
during the shooting incident last March. You
risked your own safety to assist me.
With warm personal regard.
s/rr
MC NAMARA
Dear Mr. McNamara:
Nancy and I are very proud
to add
as
our congratulations
your friends in
the Clevelind community business and gather labor
to honor what you
did tchelp me on March 30.
You will nerver know how grateful we are for
your bravery and quick thinking, and we both
thank you from the bottom of
our hearts.
With
-
warm personal regard.
s/rr
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
in Northeast Ohio
2066 East Ninth
Cleveland, Ohio
JAMES V. PATTON
Patulati
VICE PRESIDENT
CORPORATE RELATIONS
August 24, 1981
AH
(216) 687-7701
Bob
REGRET
DATE
TR
President Ronald Reagan
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear President Reagan:
On September 24th Cleveland's business and labor community
will honor the two labor leaders -- Frank McNamara and
Alfred Antenucci -- who came to your aid during the assassi-
nation attempt.
This recognition will be given during a luncheon meeting
hosted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Northeast Ohio.
Enclosed is the invitation now going out to further explain
the event.
The luncheon, part of our HEALTH EDUCATION SERIES, will be
attended by chief executive officers of area corporations,
other community leaders, labor, legislators and the media.
You may recall that before your election as President we
tried to arrange for you to address this group but you were
unable to work it into your schedule.
Do you wish to issue greetings to be read as the plaques are
presented to Frank McNamara and Alfred Antenucci? Also,
do you or your designee wish to make the presentation? We
would be honored to have Presidential representation on
September 24th!
Cordially,
Janes James V. Patton Datton
JVP:djm
enclosure
Blue Cross of Northeast Ohio
Medical Mutual of Cleveland, Inc.
Ohio Medical Indemnity Mutual Corp.
12
M1J-480
Blue Cross
of Northeast Ohio
August 24, 1981
2066 East Ninth Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(216) 687-7205
You are cordially invited to be the guest of Blue Cross and Blue Shield
in Northeast Ohio at a luncheon meeting on Thursday, September 24th, at
12 Noon at Bond Court Hotel in downtown Cleveland. This is part of our
continuing HEALTH EDUCATION SERIES to keep the community informed about
health concerns which affect us all.
Our speaker will be George F. Will, syndicated columnist and author. He
is a regular contributor to Newsweek and his column appears in The Plain
Dealer. He is also widely recognized for his work on television. In
1977 he received a Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary. Mr. Will
is attuned to Washington discussions about the delivery of health care
services and we're confident his observations will interest you.
William H. Bryant, President of the Greater Cleveland Growth Association,
will give his comments and introduce Mr. Will.
Also, we'll take this opportunity to let Cleveland's business and labor
community honor the two labor leaders -- Alfred Antenucci and Frank
McNamara -- who came to the aid of President Ronald Reagan during the
assassination attempt in Washington, D.C. on March 30th.
Please join us for the luncheon on September 24th; reply cards should be
returned by September 17th.
Donald Sincerely, Donses R. Riordan R. Liardon, Sr. Edward E.6. C. Lechner Lechner
President
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Blue Cross of Northeast Ohio
Medical Mutual of Cleveland, Inc.
DRR/ECL:11
enclosures
ZER/
029354
1110
ME001
CH
STRAIGHT WIRE - JUNE 19,1981
X
Mr. Alfred Antenucci
C (O) P Y
c/o Statler Office Tower
Grand Ballroom
Euclid Avenue at E. 12th Street
from ORM
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Nancy and I feel very privileged to join in this special
Messeress
tribute to Alfred Antenucci.
We are very grateful for the courage he displayed in
helping to tackle the man who is accused of shooting me
and three other men on March 30.
This is a very proud moment for Mr. Antenucci and for his
family, friends, and community, and both Nancy and I want
him to know how much we appreciate what he did. He is a
brave American whose first thoughts were of the safety of
others, not himself.
With our warm personal regard and our greetings to all who
are present this evening.
Sincerely,
RONALD REAGAN
RR:LIVINGSTON;Vs
sent
CC: H.vonDamm/Livingston/Janice Farrell/CF
EVENT: JUNE 19
810619
1
1
3
4
01JUN19 A8:21
$
6
7 VU INFOMASTER
$
,
WHITEHOUSE WSH
10
11 0004331170 0720EST
12 001 DLY GOVT WHITE HOUSE DC JUN 19
11 PMS MR. ALFRED ANTENUCCI
14 C/O STATLER OFFICE TOWER, (C /O ASSI MNGR ON DUTY) DLR DONT DWR
GRAND BALLROOM
EUCLID AVENUE AT E. 12TH STREET
11
16
17 CLEVELAND, OH 44115
18
19
NANCY AND I FEEL VERY PRIVILEGED TO JOIN IN THIS SPECIAL
20 TRIBUTE TO ALFRED ANTENUCCI.
FORM 0005 FRINTID THE STANDARD COMPANY, #.
21
22 WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE COURAGE HE DISPLAYED IN
23
HELPING TO TACKLE THE MAN WHO IS ACCUSED OF SHOOTING ME
14 AND THREE OTHER MEN ON MARCH 30.
25
26 THIS IS A VERY PROUD MOMENT FOR MR. ANTENUCCI AND FOR HIS
FAMILY. FRIENDS, AND COMMUNITY, AND BOTH NANCY AND I WANT
HIM TO KNOW HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE WHAT HE DID. HE IS A
BRAVE AMERICAN WHOSE FIRST THOUGHTS WERE OF THE SAFETY OF
OTHERS, NOT HIMSELF.
WITH OUR WARM PERSONAL REGARD AND OUR GREETINGS TO ALL WHO
ARE PRESENT THIS EVENING.
y
2
SINCERELY,
3
4
RONALD REAGAN
5
6
7
8
9 ACCEPTED
10
00001
"
12
13 1-PC
14
15
16
17
20
21
=
73
24
2
20
telegram
Nancy and I feel very privileged to join in this special
tribute to Alfred Antenucci.
for
We are very grateful the - courage he displayed
in helping to tackle
the man who is accused of shooting me and three other
men on March 30
This is a very proud moment for Mr. Antenucci and for
his family, friends, and community, and
both Nancy and I want him to know how much we appreciate
what he did. He is a brave American whose first thoughts
were of
I
the safety of others, not himself.
With our warm personal regard and our greetings
to all who are present this evening.
s/rr
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 18, 1981
June 19
MEMORANDUM FOR DODIE LIVINGSTON
FM: Janice Farrell
RE: Presidential Message to Alfred Antenucci
On Friday evening, June 19, there will be a testimonial dinner in
Cleveland, Ohio to honor Alfred Antenucci, the man who helped tackle
John Hinckley on the day that the President was shot. The President
personally telephoned Mr. Antenucci after he was released from the
hospital after the incident, but we thought that it might be appropriate
to have a telegram sent from the President to the testimonial dinner.
I have attached a backgrounder that was done on Mr. Antenucci prior
to the President's phone call. This might help with some ideas for
a telegram.
The following are the details that we have on the dinner:
June 19, 1981
6:30 p.m. Cocktails
7:30 p.m. Dinner
Statler Office Tower (216) 696-6800
Grand Ballroom
Euclid Avenue at E. 12th Street
Cleveland, OH 44115
Sponsor: Cleveland Building Trades Council
Mr. Charles Pinzone (216) 361-8077
You can phone me on X2397 if there is any other information you may need.
BACKGROUND
Alfred Antenucci, 69 years old, is the head of
the District Council of Carpenters in Cleveland, Ohio.
Mr. Antenucci helped tackle the man accused of shooting
the President on Monday, March 30. He was hospitalized
in the Coronary Care Unit at Georgetown University
Hospital in the afternoon of March 30 after he complained
of an irregular heartbeat. He was visited in the
hospital by a White House Staff member, Robert F. Bonitati,
and Secretary Donovan.
Mr. Antenucci was released on Wednesday, April 8.
A White House car was sent to pick him up at the
hospital. On the way to the airport, Mr. Antenucci
was taken on a tour of the cherry blossoms. Upon his
arrival at the airport, Mr. Antenucci was taken to
the United Airlines Red Carpet Lounge where he was able
to wait until his flight departed.
Mr. Antenucci can be reached at his home in Garfield
Heights, Ohio at (216) 662-0536.
034777
Dq
JL003.01
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
FG138
July 27, 1981
0 PL Y
Dear Mike:
from ORM
Thank you for sending me the news article about Alfred
X Antenucci I appreciate your concern that Mr. Antenucci
be recognized for his valiant efforts, and I've taken the
liberty to enclose another news article which more accu-
rately begins to portray, in his own words, the recognition
Mr. Antenucci did receive. from the President.
In addition to a telephone call from President Reagan, Mr.
Antenucci was also visited in the hospital by Secretary of
Labor, Ray Donovan, and a member of my staff, Mr. Bob Bonitati,
who specializes in labor relations.
I appreciate your calling the other article to my attention,
since I feel it is important to set the record straight that
the Administration certainly does appreciate the risk Mr.
Antenucci took to help save the President's life.
I do hope you are enjoying your new position with the Federal
Mediation and Conciliation Service.
With warm wishes.
Sincerely,
Eizaberh Elizabeth H. Dole
Assistant to the President
for Public Liaison
X
Mr. Michael A. Forgash
Special Assistant to the Director
Federal Mediation and Conciliation
Board
Washington, D.C. 20427
as the minimum wage, will be impossible to enforce in bom
pictured here, a 1979 home sweatshop operation in New York City 111100
by the Ladies' Garment II' orkers union. (PAI)
McMahon brought up this article for you
Union Man Who Saved President
thought you might want to bass the
:O the appropriate people in the Adminis-
Waits in Vain for Word of Thanks
on.
by Les Finnegan
words on how he feels about never having
1e. wants me to return the paper to him.
received a single phone call from anyone
NEW YORK CITY, "the Car
in the White House even while he was in
penter Who Saved Reagan" was
the same hospital Reagan was taken to
the subject of a detailed four-
when doctors suspected a possible heart
Lola
column, top-of-the-page feature
attack:
with picture in the country's largest
"I can't. believe this, no matter how
circulation newspaper, the N.Y.
hard I try. Not a word. Not a sound. No-
Daily News, The carpenter is, of
body has called. Nobody has talked to me
course, the Carpenters Union of-
since I was in the hospital. I would give
'81
ficial from Cleveland, Alfred An-
my life to save the President. I'm not
IUE
News
In
tenucci, who threw himself at John
looking for any honors, but you would
think that there would be somebody who
W. Hinckley Jr., the man attempt-
would say something. But not a word."
ing to assassinate President Reagan
Some Washington newsmen, perhaps
on March 30, and brought him to
cynical ones, wonder whether the White
the passage of the Federal Mine
abandoned properties, such as roor rails,
earth with the gun still smoking in
House insensitivity is a reflection of its
and Health Act, which requires the
explosions; ventilation hazards, and drown-
his hand.
pervasive anti-unionism. Antenucci is a
of these mines. Youngsters, pros-
ings.
Police, Secret Service men and the FBI
union business agent and, when he col-
all consider Al Antenucci a hero, but ac-
lared the President's would-be assassin, he
cording to the Daily News he is also
was in Washington to attend the AFL-
rt Says Employer Can't Sue Wildcatter
"a very disappointed man." How come?
CIO building and construction trades
Here's the explanation in Antenucci's own
meeting that Reagan addressed. (PAI)
E SUPREME COURT has
caused by wildcat strikes. The
led that employers cannot sue
court's 7-2 decision is viewed as an
dual workers for damages
important legal victory for orga-
Sony Announces TV Technology Break
nized labor.
The ruling upheld a decision by a fed-
SONY CORP. has introduced a
eodisc players, and in broadcasting and
high-resolution television re-
theater use. But Sony has not decided
eral appeals court that a trucking com-
cording system which the company
when it will be marketed or its cost.
pany in Flint, Mich., couldn't sue several
employees who in 1976 staged a 13-day
says records and plays back video-
strike that wasn't authorized by the Team-
tape with a much sharper image
sters union local to which they belonged.
than conventional systems. The
The high court decision settled an issue
Sony system could eventually re-
which had long been unresolved follow-
place film as a medium for produc-
ing enactment of the Labor-Management
ing motion pictures, industry of-
Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act of 1947, un-
ficials say.
der which an employer may sue a union
Sony's system, including cameras, re-
for damages caused by union-encouraged
corders, monitors and large-screen projec-
violations of a collective bargaining agree-
tors, uses 1,125 horizontal lines, more than
ment. The Supreme Court ruled in 1962
twice the 525-line standard used in com-
how does 'smidgen,' 'dab,' and
that individual union officials can't be
translate into metric?"
mercial television in the United States, Ja-
held liable for damages caused by a wild.
Hard-Hat Hero, 68, Proves His Love for America
Hilton with the TV cameras
/ Belted That Creep When He Started
and news people. Right next
to me stood this weird-looking
Shooting at Our President
educate my kids and build a
guy. He was wearing a long
fine home for my family. I iit-
overcoat buttoned all the way
erally did build my home with
up. His hands were thrust
By ALFRED ANTENUCCI
my own hands in a suburb of
deep in his pockets. He
I was roaring curses as I crushed my knee
Cleveland, Ohio.
needed a haircut, and I re-
into the cowardly neck of would-be assassin John
I'm the president of the
member thinking, "Gee, this
Carpenter's Union Local 1750
guy's neck is dirty."
Hinckley Jr. Seconds earlier I had clubbed him to
in Cleveland. I was in Wash-
Suddenly, my attention was
the ground with my bare fists as he pumped a
ington, D.C., on the day of the
diverted to the door of the
barrage cᶜ shots at our beloved President outside
assassination attempt, at-
Hilton. The President came
the Washington Hilton
tending the annual Building
out. You all remember what
Hotel.
own bootstraps, from shoe-
shine boy to union boss, in the
and Construction Trades Con-
happened next.
AI FRED ANTENUCCI
I'm in love with Ameri-
vention at the Hilton.
In a flash I saw a gun ap-
American tradition. My dad
ca. And when this creep
was an immigrant from Italy.
I missed President Rea-
pear in Hinckley's fists. He
Reagan Himself
gan's speech at the hot but I
held it with two hands and
Hinckley, who was stand-
I fought and worked my
wanted to get a look at him
fired off the first shot. I raised
ing next to me, began fir-
and was waiting outside the
both my fists above my head
Called to Thank
way up from the bottom to
ing, I did what any red-
and clubbed them down on
blooded American would
the back of Hinckley's head. I
Me Personally
do for his President and
heard another shot and I kept
battering him.
It's one of my goals to im-
country.
I belted him!
With each blow, Hinckley
press upon our citizens that
sank lower and kept firing. He
it's vital we all help each oth-
I hammered him to the
was crouched between my
er."
ground as he sprayed the
legs when the Secret Service
How do I feel about it?
President and his men with
bullets.
men piled on.
My heart goes out to the
I was raging mad. America
Hinckley family - most of all
I was right in the middle of
that crush of Secret Service
belongs to each and every one
to Hinckley's mom. I know
of us. We're free. We can elect
how it feels to be a parent. I
agents and police you saw on
our leaders and throw them
have a son who's a golf pro
TV immediately after the as-
out. We can say what we want
and a daughter who is a fed-
sassination attempt. We were
and believe what we want.
eral jury commissioner in
all on top of Hinckley.
After I got out of the hospi-
Cleveland. I have three lovely
I landed in the hospital for
tal, President Reagan him-
grandchildren.
10 days with high blood pres-
self called to say thanks per-
I'm proud that me, the son
sure and an irregular heart-
sonally. It was the biggest
beat - but I'd do it again.
of an immigrant, was able to
thrill of my life. The Presi-
I'm 68 years old. I'm only
provide a good life for my
dent said, "Thank you for the
5 feet 2 inches tall, but for
family.
courageous action you took
our President and America
We have a system in this
outside the Hilton. We need
I'd fight an army of John
country whereby the poorest
Hinckley Juniors.
more guys like you around.
kid on the block can become
MOMENTS after shots were fired at President, Ante-
What you did was brave. You
I pulled myself up by my
President. I'm proud to be
nucci and assailant were under this police pile-up.
had no thought for yourself.
American.
FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
Sig Dok -
Thought you might like
to consider having one
of your outreach people
take a look at this.
Timing is had but mayber
something can he done.
as an aside, I've landed an
my feet here as Special asst.
to the Director. P Thanks for
The chance to work with you -
it gave mr the opening I
needed.
Haules Jonguh
JUN 23RECD
Red
SERVICE
Un be MICHAEL A. FORGASH Sugje
TV how all well. That
like
to consider having one
of your outreach people
take a look at this.
Timing is had but mayber
something can he done.
as an aside, I've landed an
my feet here as Special asst.
to the Director. Thanks for
The chance to work with you -
it gave mr the opening 2
needed.
Hales Josquar
JUN 23RECD
087422
IV
ID #.
WHITE HOUSE
MA
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
o OUTGOING
H INTERNAL
COPY
I
INCOMING
Date Correspondence
Received (YY/MM/DD) 82107112
Name of Correspondent: mary Rose Oakar
from CRM
MI Mail Report
User Codes: (A)
(B)
(C)
Subject:
aguests the President award the
medal of Honor to alfred a. antenucci
ROUTE TO:
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5/81
July 23, 1982
Dear Ms. Oakar:
Thank you for your July 8 letter to the
President recommending that Mr. Alfred A.
Antenucci be nominated for a Presidential
Medal of Freedom.
We appreciate knowing of your support
for Mr. Antenucci. Please be assured that
I have directed your correspondence to the
attention of the President's advisory staff,
where I am sure it will be given every con-
sideration.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
Kenneth M. Duberstein
Assistant to the President
The Honorable Mary Rose Oakar
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
KMD:CMP:MDB
CC: w/copy of incoming, Aram Bakshian - for further action
WH RECORDS MANAGEMENT HAS RETAINED ORIGINAL INCOMING
MARY ROSE OAKAR
20TH DISTRICT, OHIO
COMMITTEES:
BANKING. FINANCE
AND URBAN AFFAIRS
DISTRICT OFFICE:
523 FEDERAL COURT BUILDING
POST OFFICE AND CIVIL SERVICE
215 SUPERIOR AVENUE
Congress of the United States
Chair, Subcommittee on Compensation
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44114
(216) 522-4927
and Employee Benefits
house of Representatives
SELECT OMMITTEE ON AGING
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
107 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
Mashington, D.C. 20515
Chair, Task Force on Social
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
Security and Women
(202) 225-5871
KD
July 8, 1982
087422
President Ronald W. Reagan
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
May I respectfully request that you consider
bestowing the highest civilian award - the Medal of Freedom
Honor - on Alfred A. Antenucci, the gentleman who
came to your rescue on March 30, 1981. I believe
such an action on your part would add prestige and
honor to the presidency, and that it would also show
a profound respect for American heroism.
on
May you continue in the best of health.
Sincerely yours,
5.5871
Mary MARY Member ROSE of OAKAR Congress Oakar
MRO: rle
puth
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
2/27/85
4:30 pm
Sherrie:
Maybe this will still be of
some help.
1m
White House News Summary
Sunday, February 17, 1985
The Plain Dealer, page A1
Broken
promises
Man who saved Reagan
denied White House glory
By MAIRY JAYN WOGE
the most part. he wanted to forget .he
COPYRIGHT 1985, THE PLAIN DEALER
event that made him famous.
He was named Italian-American
He was never the same, physically
Man of the Year in one city, feted at a
or emotionally, afterward, his family
giant union dinner and admitted to the
said. He had nightmares about the
Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. He was
shootings, and dreaded reliving the
hailed as a hero and became the pride
episode for others, said Bennett.
of Garfield Heights. A street was
named in his honor.
"I don't feel like a hero. I just did
what any average guy would have
But Alfred A. Antenucci, credited
done," Antenucci often said.
with saving President Reagan's life
Even though Bennett knew her
nearly three years ago by tackling
would-be assassin John W. Hinckley
father would have disapproved. she
Jr., died last May without receiving
began writing letters to the White
the recognition his family believes he
House, Congress and labor unions last
deserved.
June, asking that Antenucci's role in
saving the president's life not be for-
Reagan administration officials
gotten.
made many promises to Antenucci -
"He was the only real fatality from
a lunch with the president at the White
Hinckley but he never was mentioned
House, financial help with his medical
with the other victims," Bennett said.
bills - but few of those promises
"I heard they got bonuses or medals.
were kept. The lunch never material-
They were honored at a luncheon with
ized, and Antenucci's widow, JoAnn.
the president.
paid $28,000 in medical bills out of her
savings after her husband died.
"The FBI agent who was in the
ambulance when my father was taken
Now Antenucci's two children,
to the hospital in Georgetown told
Dominic A. Antenucci and Maria Ben-
him, 'You are going to get a medal.
nett, are pressing for some official
Anyone involved in something like
notice by the administration of their
this gets a medal.' Bennett said.
father's heroic act.
"Think about it, Michael Jackson got a
Antenucci would probably have had
medal."
mixed feelings about their effort. For
Antenucci got plenty of headlines
Union hospitalization, Medicare and
"He said Mr. Reagan was very
for what he did on March 30, 1981. But
the Antenucci family paid $110,000 in
busy," said Bennett.
no mecals.
hospital bills incurred after the Hinck-
As a business agent for Carpenters
ley incident and again last year.
She said when Reagan telephoned
Antenucci, once, six weeks after the
Local 1750, Antenucci was attending a
And the family footed the travel
shooting, a New York newspaper
building trades conference in Wash-
costs to Washington, including Anten-
pulled the strings to make it happen.
ington, D.C. He elbowed himself into
ucci's trip home when he was dis-
the second row of spectators waiting
Labor Secretary Donovan visited
charged from the hospital, April 8,
to see Reagan leave the labor confer-
1981.
Antenucci twice in Garfield Heights in
ence following a speech.
the summer of 1981. Each time, he
Donovan told Antenucci that he
said he was handling the White House
Antenucci would recount, "I saw
would be having lunch at the White
luncheon engagement, Bennett and
this kid in front of me had his hands in
House with Reagan, Dominic recalled.
Dominic said.
his overcoat pockets. I should've won-
Another broken promise. Antenucci
dered why anyone would wear an
did have lunch at the White House -
Then came the final snub, according
to Bennett.
overcoat when the temperature was
with Bonitati in 1982.
80 degrees.
Clevelander Paul A. Russo, then a
When the Antenucci family accom-
"I didn't think anything of it until
special assistant to Reagan, told
panied her father to the building
the kid took a gun out of a pocket and
newsmen that while Antenucci was
trades convention in Washington in
1982, Donovan and Russo did not
fired two shots. I punched the kid in
hospitalized, he had talked on the tele-
the back of the head twice. He started
phone with Antenucci.
return their telephone calls.
falling. He fired two more shots while
"I gave him the president's respect
Meanwhile, Al Antenucci was
he was going down. I jumped on top of
showered with honors - named Ital-
and gratitude and told him he would
him."
ian-American Man of the Year in Chi-
be hearing from the president," said
Russo.
cago, feted at a union dinner in Cleve-
Antenucci was holding onto Hinck-
ley and wrestling for the gun. Secret
land attended by 750 people, and
Russo, now a consultant, did not
admitted to the Ohio Senior Citizens
Service agents pounced on them. Al
return Plain Dealer telephone calls.
Hall of Fame. He retired at 70. Then
Antenucci, a veteran of union picket
lines, would not let go. One agent,
The Department of Labor said Don-
there was Antenucci Dr., a short
apparently believing Antenucci was
ovan is not available. He is on a leave
street between Interstate 480 and
the assassin, socked him in the jaw.
of absence because of his indictment
Turney Rd. in Garfield Heights.
for filing false business returns.
"I think that because of all that
When Antenucci was pulled off
Hinckley, he saw James S. Brady, the
According to Antenucci's family,
attention, people thought the White
presidential press secretary. Brady
the only time Antenucci was recog-
House had fulfilled its promises.
had been shot in the head, and Anten-
nized publicly by Reagan was a year
There was a great omission. I some-
ucci later said the sight of Brady's
later when the president was at the
times wonder if the president knew
blood greatly upset him.
podium during another building
what was going on," said Bennett.
trades conference in Washington.
Plain Dealer telephone calls to the
News reporters declared Al Anten-
When Reagan was told Antenucci
White House last week indicated there
ucci's quick action had saved Presi-
was in the audience, the president
was no familiarity with the situation
dent Reagan's life. Three hours later,
asked the hero to stand up.
among the current staff.
Antenucci was rushed to Georgetown
"My dad was so short, 5 foot 2, he
"That man saved the president's
University Hospital with heart palpi-
tations.
had to climb on a chair to salute the
life," said Rep. Mary Rose Oakar.
president," Bennett said.
D-20, of Cleveland. "He didn't expect
"He did not have heart trouble
In her Garfield Heights home that
anything from it. I think it was terri-
before March 30. 1981," said Dominic
overlooks Antenucci Dr., Bennett
ble the way he was treated by the
Antenucci, a golf professional at Wal-
recently explained, "My father did not
White House. There was a ceremony
den Golf & Tennis Club in Aurora.
expect anything. He told us what he
for the other guys." She was referring
The day after the assassination
did at the shooting was what any
to ceremonies honoring Secret Service
attempt, the visits from White House
American would do. But when the
agents and district policemen.
officials and the promises began.
Reagan people made promises, he
The White House even bungled the
trusted and believed them.
way it responded to Antenucci's death,
Dominic Antenucci had flown to
"The only thing he looked forward
and the brief illness that preceded it.
Washington and was in his father's
hospital room when Secretary of
to was the luncheon and our family
Last April 30, Antenucci helped
Labor Raymond J. Donovan and presi-
having a picture taken with the presi-
install a dishwasher he had bought for
dent,' said Bennett, a federal
dential aide Robert F. Bonitati
Bennett as a surprise. At 11 p.m., he
employee.
walked the three blocks back to his
arrived. He said he heard Bonitati
advise his father, "The government
According to Dominic Antenucci,
home.
will take care of everything, compen-
Even Gov. (James) Rhodes said
sation for hospital bills, your family's
father was to be honored by the White
trips to Washington while you are in
House. He was to go to Washington in
the hospital."
the state plane. But no invitation
came."
"That did not happen," said
Dominic.
Al Antenucci would make excuses
for the president, his children
recalled.
About 7 the next morning, he was
Despite warnings from Oakar,
admitted to Marymount Hospital,
Antenucci had believed the White
breathless from the irregular heart
House would deliver on promises to
beat that had begun in Washington.
pay the bills. "They'll do it," he would
On May 1, the Antenuccis heard
say. But, when Antenucci's widow had
from the White House - indirectly.
to pay the $28,000 balance on his med-
ical bills, it was the last straw for
Someone from Columbus tele-
Bennett.
phoned to report that the president
was in Alaska, but planned to stop at.
"If promises can't be met, there is
Marymount to visit Antenucci on his
no reason to make them," Bennett
said.
way back to Washington.
After writing to Washington, Ben-
"That didn't happen either. The
nett said, "It took me eight weeks to
president went straight to the White
find out who had the letters that I sent
House. My father got a get-well tele-
to the president about my father."
gram from Ron and Nancy Reagan,"
said Bennett - but the greetings
One reply in August from Peter
came after Antenucci's death on May
Rusthoven, associate counsel to the
9.
president, said that Rusthoven was
handling her letters and the presi-
On May 14, a large envelope from
the White House was delivered to
dent's reply. Also in that reply Rusth-
oven said the government had no
Marymount Hospital. In it was a note
funds to pay the hospital bills.
signed by President Reagan, dated
May 10, wishing Antenucci "good
In a follow-up letter, Bennett had to
health and a speedy recovery," Ben-
emphasize that the purpose of her let-
nett said.
ter to the president was not money,
but recognition.
No Reagan representatives were at
her father's burial even though Gar-
In a letter on last Nov. 5, Rusthoven
field Heights police had been
continued to deal with hospital costs.
informed some were coming. Flags
He instructed Bennett to apply, ironi-
were hoisted along the street to greet
cally, to the James S. Brady Presiden-
them, she said.
tial Foundation.
"There were no flowers or a card or
a call. I was hurt." she said.
The Brady foundation, funded by
contributions, was created by Con-
gress to pay medical expenses of civil-
Two thousand others mourned at
ians or public workers who are
the funeral.
wounded during assassination
The president extended his condo-
attempts on high government offi-
lences to JoAnn Antenucci, the widow,
cials, candidates for office and their
in a telegram May 15, Bennett said.
families. It was the result of the
Bennett's efforts to win recognition
Hinckley attack on March 30, 1981.
for her father likewise have been met
"The purpose of my letter to Presi-
with bureaucratic red tape instead of
dent Reagan was not money," Bennett
results. "I do not want my father's
wrote in one letter. "The reason was
name to be lost in the shuffle of his-
that the recognition of my dad was
tory
I sincerely hope you can do
handled so poorly
It was my hope
something about this," the daughter
that the president would somehow
wrote in a letter to the president dated
acknowledge my father's brave,
June 14.
unselfish and heroic act."
That letter also brought up the mat-
ter of the unpaid hospital bills,
"because they were part of the broken
promise and because they were the
result of the assassination attempt,"
Bennett said.
Antenucci received expensive care
from specialists at Georgetown and
the bills grew when he became ill last
year and was treated at Marymount.
$
PD/GEORGE HEINZ
Maria Bennett, daughter of Alfred Antenucci, holds letters she sent to President Reagan
requesting recognition for her father.
AP
Alfred Antenucci
"I just did what any average guy
would have done."
I
I
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
2/20/85
Dick:
Please call we about
this. we need guidance.
Roussel
Bonitati haya file
232726
236968
236246
227583
225186
087422
03 023965
029354
034777
039965
BUSINESS
1B
OBITUARIES
CLASSIFIED
E,F
PANORAMA
From 21 grand to
Do your
DEATHS
15C
PERSPECTIVE
1D
EDITORIALS
4D
REAL ESTATE
1F
$850,000 - what
pancakes
METRO
25A
SPORTS
1C
our athletes make
stack up?
COMPLETE INDEX
NEWS SUMMARY
1-C
51-P
WEATHER
PAGEMA
Morning flurries, some afternoon sun
N
DEALER
EVELAND, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1985
60
Broken
promises
Man who saved Reagan
denied White House glory
By MAIRY JAYN WOGE
the most part, he wanted to forget the
COPYRIGHT 1985, THE PLAIN DEALER
event that made him famous.
He was named Italian-American
He was never the same, physically
Man of the Year in one city, feted at a
or emotionally, afterward, his family
giant union dinner and admitted to the
said. He had nightmares about the
Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. He was
shootings, and dreaded reliving the
hailed as a hero and became the pride
episode for others, said Bennett.
of Garfield Heights. A street was
named in his honor.
"I don't feel like a hero. I just did
what any average guy would have
But Alfred A. Antenucci, credited
done," Antenucci often said.
with saving President Reagan's life
Even though Bennett knew her
nearly three years ago by tackling
father would have disapproved, she
would-be assassin John W. Hinckley
began writing letters to the White
Jr., died last May without receiving
House, Congress and labor unions last
the recognition his family believes he
June, asking that Antenucci's role in
deserved.
saving the president's life not be for-
Reagan administration officials
gotten.
made many promises to Antenucci -
"He was the only real fatality from
a lunch with the president at the White
Hinckley but he never was mentioned
House, financial help with his medical
with the other victims," Bennett said.
bills - but few of those promises
"I heard they got bonuses or medals.
were kept. The lunch never material-
They were honored at a luncheon with
ized, and Antenucci's widow, JoAnn,
the president.
paid $28,000 in medical bills out of her
savings after her husband died.
"The FBI agent who was in the
ambulance when my father was taken
Now Antenucci's two children,
to the hospital in Georgetown told
Dominic A. Antenucci and Maria Ben-
him, 'You are going to get a medal.
nett, are pressing for some official
Anyone involved in something like
notice by the administration of their
this gets a medal,' " Bennett said.
father's heroic act.
"Think about it, Michael Jackson got a
Antenucci would probably have had
medal."
mixed feelings about their effort. For
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10-A
10-A
Missing White House glory
ROM PAGE 1-À
Union hospitalization, Medicare and
the Antenucci family paid $110,000 in
Antenucci got plenty of headlines
hospital bills incurred after the Hinck-
for what he did on March 30, 1981. But
ley incident and again last year.
no medals.
And the family footed the travel
As a business agent for Carpenters
costs to Washington, including Anten-
Local 1750, Antenucci was attending a
ucci's trip home when he was dis-
building trades conference in Wash-
charged from the hospital, April 8,
ington, D.C. He elbowed himself into
1981.
the second row of spectators waiting
to see Reagan leave the labor confer-
Donovan told Antenucci that he;
ence following a speech.
would be having lunch at the White
House with Reagan, Dominic recalled.
Antenucci would recount, "I saw
Another broken promise. Antenucci
this kid in front of me had his hands in
did have lunch at the White House -
his overcoat pockets. I should'v won-
with Bonitati in 1982.
dered why anyone would wear an
overcoat when the temperature was
Clevelander Paul A. Russo, then a
80 degrees.
special assistant to Reagan, told
newsmen that while Antenucci was
didn't think anything of it until
hospitalized, he had talked on the tele-
the kid took a gun out of a pocket and
phone with Antenucci.
fired two shots. I punched the kid in
the back of the head twice. He started
"I gave him the president's respect
falling. He fired two more shots while
and gratitude and told him he would
he was going down. I jumped on top of
be hearing from the president," said
him."
Russo.
Antenucci was holding onto Hinck-
Russo, now a consultant, did not
ley and wrestling for the gun. Secret
return Plain Dealer telephone calls.
Service agents pounced on them. Al
The Department of Labor said Don-
Antenucci, a veteran of union picket
ovan is not available. He is on a leave
lines, would not let go. One agent,
of absence because of his indictment
apparently believing Antenucci was
for filing false business returns.
the assassin, socked him in the jaw.
According to Antenucci's family,
When Antenucci was pulled off
the only time Antenucci was recog-
Hinckley, he saw James S. Brady, the
nized publicly by Reagan was a year
residential press secretary. Brady
later when the president was at the
.had been shot in the head, and Anten-
podium during another building
Maria Bennett, daughter of Alfred Antenuccl, holds
requesting recognition for her father.
ucci later said the sight of Brady's
trades conference in Washington.
blood greatly upset him.
When Reagan was told Antenucci
News reporters declared Al Anten-
was in the audience, the president
"He said Mr. Reagan was very
ucci's quick action had saved Presi-
asked the hero to stand up.
busy," said Bennett.
dent Reagan's life. Three hours later,
"My dad was SO short, 5 foot 2, he
She said when Reagan telephoned
Antenucci was rushed to Georgetown
had to climb on a chair to salute the
Antenucci, once, six weeks after the
University Hospital with heart palpi-
president," Bennett said.
shooting, a New York newspaper
tations.
In her Garfield Heights home that
pulled the strings to make it happen.
"He did not have heart trouble
overlooks Antenucci Dr., Bennett
Labor Secretary Donovan visited
before March 30, 1981," said Dominic
recently explained, "My father did not
Antenucci twice in Garfield Heights in
expect anything. He told us what he
the summer of 1981. Each time, he
Antenucci, a golf professional at Wal-
den Golf & Tennis Club in Aurora.
did at the shooting was what any
said he was handling the White House
American would do. But when the
luncheon engagement, Bennett and
The day after the assassination
Reagan people made promises, he
Dominic said.
attempt, the visits from White House
trusted and believed them.
officials and the promises began.
Then came the final snub, according
"The only thing he looked forward
to Bennett.
Dominic Antenucci had flown to
to was the luncheon and our family
When the Antenucci family accom-
Washington and was in his father's
having a picture taken with the presi-
panied her father to the building
hospital room when Secretary of
dent," said Bennett, a federal
trades convention in Washington in
Labor Raymond J. Donovan and presi-
employee.
1982, Donovan and Russo did not
dential aide Robert F. Bonitati
According to Dominic Antenucci,
return their telephone calls.
arrived. He said he heard Bonitati
"Even Gov. (James) Rhodes said
Meanwhile, Al Antenucci was
advise his father, "The government
father was to be honored by the White
showered with honors - named Ital-
will take care of everything, compen-
House. He was to go to Washington in
ian-American Man of the Year in Chi-
sation for hospital bills, your family's
the state plane. But no invitation
cago, feted at a union dinner in Cleve-
trips to Washington while you are in
came."
land attended by 750 people, and
Alfred Antenucci
the hospital."
Al Antenucci would make excuses
admitted to the Ohio Senior Citizens
"I just did what any
'That did not happen," said
for the president, his children
Hall of Fame. He retired at 70. Then
would have done."
Dominic.
recalled.
there was Antenucci Dr., a short
street between Interstate 480 and
Turney Rd. in Garfield Heights.
anything from it. I thin
U.S. steps up border hunt
"I think that because of all that
ble the way he was t
attention, people thought the White
White House. There We
for kidnapped drug agent
House had fulfilled its promises.
for the other guys.' She
There was a great omission. I some-
to ceremonies honoring
times wonder if the president knew
agents and district polic
what was going on," said Bennett.
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Motorists try-
to U.S. citizens.
The White House eve
ing to enter the United States from
Plain Dealer telephone calls to the
"The problem is, they're still going
way it responded to Ant
Mexico were delayed for hours yester-
White House last week indicated there
and the brief illness that
to have to wait in the lines while we
day at U.S. border checkpoints as offi-
was no familiarity with the situation
check the other vehicles," said Larry
Last April 30, Anto
cials intensified their search for a nar-
Atkins, acting chief inspector at San
among the current staff.
install a dishwasher he
cotics agent kidnapped in Mexico.
Ysidro. "I hope when the traveling
"That man saved the president's
Bennett as a surprise.
Beginnining Friday afternoon,
public sees this, they will avoid Mex-
life," said Rep. Mary Rose Oakar,
walked the three blocl
agents of the U.S. Customs service
ico."
D-20, of Cleveland. "He didn't expect
home.
checked under the hoods and in the
He added: "The lines will stay this
trunks of every car entering the
way for a couple of days unless I get a
United States along the 1,700-mile
call from Washington."
OF OUR HAMMARY DESIGNER GALLERY
Mexican border from San Ysidro,
The length of traffic lines varied. A
THE PLAIN DEALER, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1985
çlory
Two thousand others mourned at
the funeral.
The president extended his condo-
lences to JoAnn Antenucci, the widow,
in a telegram May 15, Bennett said.
Bennett's efforts to win recognition
for her father likewise have been met
with bureaucratic red tape instead of
results. "I do not want my father's
name to be lost in the shuffle of his-
tory
I sincerely hope you can do
something about this," the daughter
wrote in a letter to the president dated
June 14.
That letter also brought up the mat-
ter of the unpaid hospital bills,
"because they were part of the broken
promise and because they were the
result of the assassination attempt,"
Bennett said.
Antenucci received expensive care
from specialists at Georgetown and
the bills grew when he became ill last
year and was treated at Marymount.
Despite warnings from Oakar,
Antenucci had believed the White
House would deliver on promises to
pay the bills. "They'll do it," he would
say. But, when Antenucci's widow had
to pay the $28,000 balance on his med-
ical bills, it was the last straw for
Bennett.
"If promises can't be met, there is
PD/GEORGE HEINZ
no reason to make them," Bennett
said.
nett, daughter of Alfred Antenucci, holds letters she sent to President Reagan
recognition for her father.
After writing to Washington, Ben-
nett said, "It took me eight weeks to
find out who had the letters that I sent
Mr. Reagan was very
About 7 the next morning, he was
to the president about my father."
ennett.
admitted to Marymount Hospital,
One reply in August from Peter
hen Reagan telephoned
breathless from the irregular heart
Rusthoven, associate counsel to the
ice, six weeks after the
beat that had begun in Washington.
president, said that Rusthoven was
New York newspaper
On May 1, the Antenuccis heard
handling her letters and the presi-
ings to make it happen.
from the White House indirectly.
dent's reply. Also in that reply Rusth-
retary Donovan visited
oven said the government had no
Someone from Columbus tele-
ice in Garfield Heights in
funds to pay the hospital bills.
phoned to report that the president
of 1981. Each time, he
was in Alaska, but planned to stop at
In a follow-up letter, Bennett had to
handling the White House
Marymount to visit Antenucci on his
emphasize that the purpose of her let-
gagement, Bennett and.
way back to Washington.
ter to the president was not money,
but recognition.
the final snub, according
"That didn't happen either. The
In a letter on last Nov. 5, Rusthoven
president went straight to the White
continued to deal with hospital costs.
House. My father got a get-well tele-
Antenucci family accom-
He instructed Bennett to apply, ironi-
gram from Ron and Nancy Reagan,"
father to the building
cally, to the James S. Brady Presiden-
said Bennett - but the greetings
vention in Washington in
tial Foundation.
came after Antenucci's death on May
van and Russo did not
9.
The Brady foundation, funded by
telephone calls.
contributions, was created by Con-
On May 14, a large envelope from
le, Al Antenucci was
gress to pay medical expenses of civil-
the White House was delivered to
ith honors - named- Ital-
ians or public workers who are
Marymount Hospital. In it was a note
in Man of the Year in Chi-
wounded during assassination
signed by President Reagan, dated
at a union dinner in Cleve-
attempts on high government offi-
May 10, wishing Antenucci "good
ded by 750 people, and
Alfred Antenucci
cials, candidates for office and their
health and a speedy recovery," Ben-
the Ohio Senior Citizens
"I just did what any average guy
families. It was the result of the
nett said.
ne. He retired at 70. Then
would have done."
Hinckley attack on March 30, 1981.
Antenucci Dr., a short
No Reagan representatives were at
"The purpose of my letter to Presi-
veen Interstate 480 and
her father's burial even though Gar-
dent-Reagan was not money," Bennett
in Garfield Heights.
field Heights police had been
anything from it. I think it was terri-
wrote in one letter. "The reason was
informed some were coming. Flags
that because of all that
ble the way he was treated by the
that the recognition of my dad was
were hoisted along the street to greet
people thought the White
White House. There was a ceremony
handled SO poorly
It was my hope
them, she said.
1
fulfilled its promises.
for the other guys.' She was referring
that the president would somehow
"There were no flowers or a card or
a great omission. I some-
to ceremonies honoring Secret Service
acknowledge my father's brave,
der if the president knew
a call. I was hurt she said.
agents and district policemen.
unselfish and heroic act."
oing on," said Bennett.
The White House even bungled the
aler telephone calls to the
way it responded to Antenucci's death,
e last week indicated there
and the brief illness that preceded it.
niliarity with the situation
current staff.
Last April 30, Antenucci helped
since
install a dishwasher he had bought for
an saved the president's
Bennett as a surprise. At 11 p.m., he
1891
Rep. Mary Rose Oakar,
walked the three blocks back to his
eveland. "He didn't expect
home
OUR HAMMARY DESIGNER GALLERY
INTRODUCES
3/5/85
NOTE FOR THEFILE
l didnot tab littmann,
A-B-C-D
because there was no
indication what so even on
where the tals should be
placed.
CM