[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 20, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF MICHELE RUSSO FOR DISTINGUISHED AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO 
                        THE CITIZENS OF HOBOKEN

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 20, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Michele 
Russo, an outstanding individual who has distinguished herself by her 
selfless dedication to the residents of Hoboken. Ms. Russo will be 
honored today at the Ninth Annual Lincoln Day Dinner sponsored by 
Senator Bernard F. Kenny and the Lincoln Day Dinner Committee.
  The commemoration celebrates the generous contributions made by Ms. 
Russo to her hometown of Hoboken. Lincoln's birthday is an appropriate 
day to celebrate Ms. Russo's achievements because of her talent in 
unifying people. As an active member of the Anthony Russo Civic 
Organization, Ms. Russo's coordination of community programs has earned 
much respect. In one program, local senior citizens have been fortunate 
recipients of flowers on major holidays. For the past 2 years, FAITH 
Service, an AIDS resource center, has greatly benefited from an event 
co-chaired by Ms. Russo.
  Family plays a major role for our esteemed honoree. A lifelong 
resident of Hoboken, Ms. Russo is the former Michele DeStefano, 
daughter of Mary and Pasquale DeStefano. When it came time to think 
about marriage, Michele married Anthony Russo who was subsequently 
elected mayor of Hoboken. This joyful union produced three sons to 
carry on the family tradition of community involvement: Nicky, Michael, 
and Anthony.
  Ms. Russo has a strong interest in building a bright and positive 
future for the youth of Hoboken. She was instrumental in securing 
funding to erect the Florence Reilly Casazza concession stand at 
Hoboken High School's JFK Stadium. Ms. Russo is an active committee 
member of Boy Scout Troop 20 at St. Ann's Church in Hoboken.
  It is an honor to have such an outstanding and considerate woman 
residing in my district. Michele Russo exemplifies community service at 
its best. I am certain my colleagues will join me in recognition of 
this superb community leader.

                          ____________________