Date: 1982-06-21
Speaker: WILLIAM J. COYNE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. this Sunday. one of Pittsburghs outstanding citizens will be honored. He is Charley (Zivic) Affif. a man known in the boxing world as a very aggressive prize fighter. He compiled a record during his career in the ring spaning from the midforties through the fifties of 58 fights with 43 wins. 2 losses. and 3 draws. An impressive record for an era when prize fighters all had a competitive desire to win. brought about by hunger. at that time. calling many young men into the ring as an only means of livelihood. There are some who recall only specific fights: the two fights with Sammy Adragna. the Gene Bolen fight which touted Gene Bolen from New York. boasting an undefeated record of 32 wins. as a favorite. only to suffer his first defeat by a knockout from Charley Affif. Other recall the Laurent Douthile fight. where Charley Affif was only three minutes away from being a part of the movie. "The Raging Bull. "Ahead on all the judges score cards. winning 7 out of 9 rounds. Affif was knocked out in the 10th round. Laurent Douthile was then matched with the champion. Jake LaMotta. The friends of Charley Affif will be honoring him by the repayment of a longstanding debt. a debt of gratitude for the very important part he played In their lives as they were growing up. Charley Affif. raised in the Hill District of Pittsburgh. was one of seven children born o.! Lebanese parents. Charley attended Ephiphany Grade School and Fifth Avenue High School. At Fifth Avenue High School. Charley played on the varsity football team as quarterback. and also on the city championship basketball team. Dr. Cyril Wecht. who Charley describes as a beautiful guy. also attended Fifth Avenue High School at the same time. Charley says that Dr. Wecht was an "Einstein" type of kid as a student at Fifth Avenue High. Charley Affif gained attention as a recreation director at Washington Park. in 1942. 1943. and 1144. the hub of athletics in the Hill Dir crict. In those days. Charley demanded strict practice sessions when he coached the Washington Park football team. If you missed a weekday practice. you were not permitted to suit up for a Sunday game. Consequently. kids thought twice about cruising the neighborhood to boost candy bars from local stores or about rolling drunks at night. When his friends served as altar boys. they saw Charley Affif each morning at the 6:30 mass. He proved to them that having religion did not classify you as a sissy. Charley preached that kids should stay straight. and that they should have clean minds and bodies. His encouragement kept many names off juvenile court records. A football injury prevented Charley Affif from being drafted into the armed forces during World War II. but he always accompanied each group of draftees from the Hill District to the Pennsylvania or the P.L. & E. railroad stations. For those who returned on furlough. and again after the war. Charley was there to greet them and have a party. Charley never forgot the Washington Park Recreation Center. In between fights. even when Charley became a main bouter. he would always visit the center. In his own way. he proved that you could wear silk "threads" and drive a Cadillac by being straight. Charley Affif was a fine role model for children. A few of "Charleys Boys" included: Walter Alberts. now assistant superintendent of Allegheny County Police: Tony Bartirome. now a major league ball player and Pittsburgh Pirate trainer Ray Budway. en:ineer. Bobby Del .Grecco. major league ball player. Dr. John George. head of anesthesiology. Southside Hospital. and Alex Joseph.-high school teacher. For many who did not achieve ia% professional status. there were other benefits accrued through their wssociation with Charley Affif. They became better citizens. husbands. and fathers. and it is for this reason Charley Affif will be honored this Sunday. He lived his life as an advocate of the ageold adage: "It is better to build boys than to mend men. The people of Pittsburgh salute Charley Affif. patriot and American.