[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO AMATO L. BERARDI

                                 ______


                         HON. ROBERT A. BORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 1996

  Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my close 
personal friend Amato L. Berardi, who will have the title ``Cavaliere 
dell'Ordine al merito della Republica Italiana'' bestowed upon him on 
March 17, 1996.
  Amato L. Berardi was born on October 14, 1958 in Longano, a province 
of Isbernia, Italy. His parents, Carmine Berardi and Carmela Ditri, 
were married in Italy where they had four sons. In 1970 they emigrated 
to the United States.
  Upon arriving in Philadelphia, Amato attended Mater Dolorosa grade 
school, followed by North East Catholic High School. In 1975, while 
still in high school, he and his brothers owned and operated a 
restaurant in Philadelphia. Amato graduated from high school in 1978, 
and then went on to attend Philadelphia College of Textiles and 
Business for 2 years. During Amato's 2-year tenure, he majored in 
business management.
  On January 4, 1983, Amato joined New York Life where he became the 
No. 1 agent in his class in 1983. He became the Executive Council agent 
in 1986, achieved Presidents Council status in 1987, and Chairman's 
Council in 1993. Mr. Berardi gained membership in the Million Dollar 
Round Table, and has received the National Quality and National Sales 
Achievement awards.
  Amato has also been recognized for his service to his community. He 
has received the Italian-American Knights Legion's Knight of Goodness 
Award, and has been honored with a Humanitarian Citation from the City 
Council of Philadelphia and the State Senate of Pennsylvania. Amato is 
also president of the National Italian American Political Action 
Committee and the Federation of Italian American Businesses. He is also 
actively involved in numerous social organizations, including the 
Overbrook Italo-American Democratic Club, the Sons of Italy, the 
Columbus Association of America, and the American Heart Association.
  Today, Amato resides in Huntington Valley with his wife of 13 years, 
Maddalena Caranci, and their two children Carmelina and Carmine.
  Mr. Speaker, I join Amato Berardi's family and friends in 
congratulating him for a lifetime of hard work and devotion to the 
Italian-American community and congregation.

                          ____________________