Press Release

Statement of Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez on the Passing of C. William Verity, Jr.

WASHINGTON—C. William Verity, Jr. was widely respected at the Department of Commerce. During his tenure at the helm of the Department, he applied his years of corporate experience to ensuring the government's polices would promote, not inhibit, our nation’s great engine of commerce.

"This Ohio son, who worked his way from the plants of Armco Steel to its boardroom, was a respected leader and businessman. He answered his country’s call to duty first in the U.S. Navy, and years later he again answered that call to become the Secretary of Commerce under President Reagan.

"Today, his portrait has been displayed with honor in the main entrance of the Department of Commerce, commemorating his tenure as a Cabinet Secretary and his life as a great citizen of the United States."