KUCINICH: Statement on behalf of Ohio Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich

Statement on behalf of Ohio Congressman
Dennis J. Kucinich

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Perry J. Kucinich, younger brother of Ohio Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich, died early this morning in his apartment in Cleveland, Ohio. He was 51. The cause of death will be determined by the coroner's office.

Perry Kucinich was a talented artist who produced a prodigious volume of work. Some of his works have been on display recently at a local art gallery. He and his brother Dennis were planning another showing of his works in the spring.

"He was an admirer of the works of Klee and Picasso, and the style and structure of his artwork derived from their influences," said Dennis Kucinich. "He was a genius. He had extraordinary insights. Although he struggled with mental illness, with the help of his family and friends, he was able to lead a productive life."

"The Kucinich family is very close knit," said family spokesman Andy Juniewicz. "This is a devastating loss to each and every member of the Kucinich family. Dennis was very close to his brother Perry. He watched after him, and he loved him dearly. The two spoke nearly every day. He was more like Dennis's son than his brother."

Perry Kucinich was born Dec. 11, 1956, the fifth child of Frank and Virginia Kucinich. The family's travails were chronicled in a recently released book, "The Courage to Survive," written by Congressman Kucinich.

Funeral services are pending. In addition to his brother Dennis, Perry is survived by brothers Frank, Gary, and Larry, and by sisters Theresa and Beth Ann. They all live in Northeast Ohio.

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Andy Juniewicz