[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E967]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          CONGRATULATIONS TO TONY D'AMICO, CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

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                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 1995
  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, tonight we are here to honor a gentleman who 
has brought so much to Joliet and to this region. He is being honored 
by UNICO National as their Citizen of the Year for his struggle as a 
young boy growing up in Italy and for his many successes as a 
restaurateur here in Joliet.
  Mr. Anthony ``Tony'' D'Amico grew up in Eufemia, Italy as 1 of 11 
children. Realizing his opportunities were limited in his hometown, he 
migrated to America in a steamship in 1920 at the age of 16. His first 
venture in America was in Pennsylvania where he worked at a steel 
company. He then moved to Joliet where he served as a member of the 
Local #75 Laborers Union for 22 years.
  However, Mr. D'Amico's true calling was the restaurant business. He 
ran the lunch counter in Anderson's Gas Station from 1947-1951 and then 
opened his own full-time restaurant in Troy called Tony's. The short, 
but popular menu made Tony's a well-known eatery.
  His success has not been short-lived. At the age of 91, Tony D'Amico 
is famous in Joliet restaurant history. He owns D'Amico's on Jefferson, 
D'Amico's 214, Earl's Cafe, the Sports Bar and Grill, and D'Amico's 
Catering, all employing 130 people.
  It is Mr. D'Amico's dedication, hard work and success that brings us 
here tonight to honor him. He is a model citizen who represents all 
immigrants that have molded this great Nation of the United States of 
America.
  So, thank you Mr. D'Amico for your inspiration and commitment to 
quality of life, heritage, family values and, of course, good food.
  Congratulations Tony D'Amico on being named ``Citizen of the Year.''
  

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