[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 65 (Friday, April 7, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL ANTHONY LANNI

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 7, 1995
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Michael 
Anthony Lanni, to honor his memory, and to stand in solidarity with his 
family and friends. All their lives were richer because of Mike and he 
will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
  Mike was Jersey born on December 29, 1956 and baptized at our Lady of 
Sorrows Church in Jersey City. A a youth, Mike enriched the lives of 
his classmates, first at St. Paul's Grammar School in Jersey City and 
later at Bergen Catholic and St. Mary's High School. Throughout his 
childhood, Mike's love of sports and academic achievements was always 
present. Mike was a little league all star, a Babe Ruth all star, a 
varsity football player and a record setting track star. At the same 
time, Mike's academic achievements included being named to the 
principal's list, receiving first honors and serving a member of the 
National Honor Society. His achievements were recognized by his peers 
who selected him as senior class president and voted him as best all 
around for the class of 1974. Mike's receipt of the Bob Blum Trophy as 
outstanding student/athlete in 1974 was a tribute to both his abilities 
and his determination.
  College posed new challenges and triumphs for Mike Lanni. At 
Lafayette College he overcame a knee injury to continue his active 
participation in collegiate sports, particularly football and rugby. At 
the same time, Mike's leadership qualities were recognized by his peers 
who selected him as an officer of his fraternity, Theta Chi. He was the 
obvious choice for that role.
  After college Mike returned to New Jersey and conquered the new 
obstacles of the work world. He demonstrated his personal qualities of 
loyalty, determination and smarts which are all too rare a combination 
these days. These qualities served Mike well as a sales associate for 
Mueller Brothers and later with BASF where he rose through the ranks to 
become a regional manager for four states. Mike's ability and always-
evident charm and good nature made his advance as inevitable as it was 
relentless.
  However, work and school provide a snapshot and not the measure of 
the man himself. Mike was above all a dedicated family man; who loved 
and treasured his parents Anthony and Mary Lanni, his wife of nearly 10 
years, Margaret ``Midge'' Lanni, his siblings, Mary, Patricia, Louise, 
Christopher, and Stephen and most of all his precious and treasured 
sons, Timothy and Patrick. Mike was dedicated to his two boys and 
Patrick and Timothy must know that he will continue to look out for 
them today, tomorrow and always from his heavenly perch.
  Although Mike has left this world prematurely and can no longer be 
with us, his memory will continue to occupy a warm place in the hearts 
of all who knew Mike. I know that his family and the hundreds of 
friends who attended his memorial service felt honored and privileged 
to have known Mike, a good man and loving father. Mr. Speaker, it has 
been a privilege to share with you the achievements of Mike Lanni and 
all he has meant to his family and those who knew him.


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