[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 197 (Tuesday, December 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO REV. RUBEN DARIO COLON

                                 ______


                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 12, 1995

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rev. Ruben 
Dario Colon who was honored on Sunday by member of the community in 
celebration of his 45th ordination anniversary at the Resurrection 
Lutheran Church in the Bronx.
  Reverend Colon has lived a life of help those who have needed him. 
His long and fruitful career as a pastor, counselor, police chaplain, 
and community activist has touched thousands of individuals in our 
community.
  Born in Puerto Rico, Reverend Colon spent most of his youth on the 
island. He attended the University of Puerto Rico and in 1947, he 
married Ms. Ramonita Orabona with whom he had a son and a daughter. 
Years later, he came to the United States and obtained a bachelor's 
degree from Alelphi University. He also holds a master of divinity from 
the Lutheran Theological Seminary and completed courses at Fordham 
University.
  Reverend Colon has served as pastor in many Lutheran churches in New 
York, including the Bronx Evangelical Lutheran Church of the 
Resurrection which he leads today. His ministry is faithfully committed 
to bringing spiritual enlightenment to the community.
  As a psychiatric social worker, Reverend Colon has provided 
psychiatric therapy for adults and families at many institutions, 
including Covenant House, the Bronx Psychiatric Center, and the Puerto 
Rican Children Hospital. He also serves as chaplain at the Veterans 
Administration Hospital and is a member of the board of the Morrisania 
Diagnostic and Treatment Center of the New York City and Hospital 
Corporation.
  Among the many honors bestowed upon him, Reverend Colon was sworn in 
as chaplain of the New York City Police Department with the rank of 
inspector by former Police Commissioner Benjamin Ward. He is also the 
first Puerto Rican to receive the Silver Medal of the Academic Society 
of Arts, Science and Literature of France.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Rev. Ruben 
Dario Colon for his remarkable career serving the community and 
bringing hope to the many individuals he has touched.

                          ____________________