[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 130 (Saturday, August 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    TRIBUTE TO LEONARD J. DESIDERIO

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FRANKS

                             of new jersey

                         HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                        HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 4, 1995
  Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Leonard J. Desiderio on his retirement as principal of Oak View 
Elementary School in Bloomfield, NJ.
  ``Mr. D,'' as he was known by students and faculty, retired in June 
bringing to a close a highly distinguished career in the field of 
education. Leonard J. Desiderio has dedicated the past 33 years of his 
life to serving the Bloomfield Public School system. He began his 
career in education in the Newark Public School System, teaching during 
the day and attending Seton Hall University at night to earn his 
degree. In 1962 he joined the Bloomfield Public School System as the 
5th and 6th grade teacher at the Forest Glen School. After only 3 years 
at Forest Glen, Mr. D. became vice principal and 2 years later 
principal. In 1970 he accepted the position of principal at Oak View 
School where he remained until his retirement, making Oak View School 
the No. 1 school in the system in all testing and academic 
achievements.
  Several honors were recently bestowed on Mr. Desiderio in recognition 
of his outstanding achievements and dedication to Oak View School. As a 
display of recognition for Mr. Desiderio's dedication to the students 
of Oak View School, the Bloomfield Board of Education named the 
school's gymnasium the ``Leonard J. Desiderio Gymnasium'' placing a 
bronze plaque above the entrance doors. The mayor of Bloomfield joined 
in the celebration by naming June 8, 1995, the date of the dedication, 
as Leonard J. Desiderio Day. Other honors were awarded to Mr. D. from 
the General Assembly of New Jersey, and the Bloomfield Board of 
Education. These honors reflect the enormous amount of gratitude and 
respect the community feels toward Mr. Desiderio for his dedication to 
excellence in education.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Leonard J. Desiderio for his leadership and dedication to education. 
His commitment to service has fostered educational excellence and 
helped shape the development of thousands of children. It is difficult 
to know how many lives Mr. Desiderio touched during his career in 
education, but I am confident that his leadership and good nature will 
be missed, and his legacy will surely lone endure.


                          ____________________