[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 173 (Friday, November 3, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S16655-S16656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO ROLAND L. ``SONNY'' MAPELLI

  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, last month, the University of Denver 
College of Law opened the Mapelli Brothers' Place in the Yegge Student 
Center. Mapellis' Place recognizes the wonderful contribution the 
Mapelli family has made to Colorado and Denver University. It was in 
commemoration of the Mapelli family who has given so much to the State 
of Colorado, and particularly to Denver University. It also 
commemorates the fact that a number of years ago, in the World War II 
era, the Denver University Law School used to be adjacent to the 
Mapelli Meat Market. A generation of Colorado attorneys took their 
legal education within the sight and the sound, and even the smell, of 
that meat market. Perhaps it even influenced those attorneys throughout 
their career.
  The Mapelli family is typical, I think, of American families who have 
contributed so much to this Nation. The Mapellis started their meat 
market in 1906 and, one by one, the brothers were drawn over from Italy 
coming to this country, some as small children, literally coming on a 
boat with a name and a location pinned on their clothes, and they would 
eventually find their way to Denver, CO.
  Their story is a story of success for hard workers. To me, the 
Mapelli Law School will also be a reminder of Sonny Mapelli. He is 
someone I worked for for many years, and his example of love and 
devotion to community serves as an example for all Coloradans and, yea, 
even Americans, for what someone can accomplish when they love their 
country and love their community and make a project of serving it.
  The Mapelli meat market used to be adjacent the Denver University 
College of Law when it was located in downtown Denver. A generation of 
attorneys received their legal education within the sound, sight, and 
smell of the Mapelli meat market.
  To me, the Mapelli Place will always call to mind Roland L. ``Sonny'' 
Mapelli. Sonny passed away on January 19, 1995, but the memory of his 
warmth and wisdom will stay with all who knew him.
  Sonny and his brother, Gene, were owners-operators of Mapelli 
Brothers Co. which was founded by their father and his brothers in 
1906. In 1969 Mapelli Brothers Co. merged into Monfort of Colorado. 
Under Sonny's direction, 50 Mapelli Food Distributing Co. branches were 
operated throughout the United States. Sonny was also owner-operator of 
Mapelli Farms & Ranches.
  Sonny was a faithful and devoted husband and father. He was devoted 
to his faith and believed in serving his community, State, and Nation. 
Sonny also served on several boards ranging from Loretto Heights 
College in Denver to Colorado State University Land Council in Ft. 
Collins and Norwest Bank in Greeley. He was a member of the Colorado 
Cattle Feeder's Association, Mountain/Plains Meat Association, and the 
National Cattlemen's Association.
  Sonny received numerous awards. He received the Knute Rockne Award 
for outstanding civic achievement in 1961 as well as Who's Who in 
Finance and Industry in 1984. He was honored by the Colorado Meat 
Dealers as Man of the Year in 1975; by the Longs Peak Council, Boys 
Scouts of America as Weld Distinguished Citizen of 1994, along with 
many other distinguished awards.
  Sonny had a distinguished military career. He enlisted in the U.S. 
Air Force in August 1942. He subsequently served 3 years overseas with 
the 8th Air Force, serving in the European Theater in Normandy, 
Northern France, and the Rhineland campaigns. Sonny was commissioned a 
warrant officer in London, England, in 1944. He received a Commendation 
for Outstanding Achievements from the 8th Air Force commanding general. 
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1945 and remained in the 
U.S. Air Force Reserve until 1955.
  You could not see Sonny and not come away with a smile on your face. 
Colorado voters loved him and elected him to the Denver City Council 
from 1955 to 1959. He was appointed to the State House of 
Representatives for 1961-62 and won election to the State Senate in 
1962 by the largest margin of anyone in Denver.
  Sonny's remarkable success in business and politics came from his 
genuine concern about others and a wonderful sense of humor. All who 
came in contact with him felt a little better about themselves and the 
world.
  Everyone has their favorite Sonny story. They reflected his common 
sense, his love of others, and an extraordinarily humorous view of the 
world. When you write out his stories, though, they lose something. It 
was not so much the story itself that was funny, but Sonny Mapelli 
himself. Without him those stories and perhaps our lives lack some of 
the sparkle that makes life a joy.
  Sonny Mapelli is survived by his wife Nomie, and daughters Terri 
DeMoney and Jerri Gustafson; by his grandchildren Travis, Tyler, and 
Lindsey DeMoney, and Drew and Karly Gustafson; and by his brother, 
Eugene Mapelli.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.

[[Page S 16656]]

  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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