[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 45 (Thursday, March 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MORTON CHARLESTEIN

                                 ______


                            HON. JON D. FOX

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 27, 1996

  Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, a chosen few among us have the 
privilege and strength to reach 80 years of productive life. Mr. Morton 
Charlestein, who marks his 80th birthday on this April 1, has been an 
inspiration to all who know him and a source of love and support to all 
who come in contact with his warm and gracious being. He is a husband 
of over 50 years, a father, and grandfather of five; a leader in the 
dental and medical products industry; and a giant of support in the 
philanthropic community of greater Philadelphia whose good works reach 
across the country and around the world.
  As chairman emeritus of the Premier Dental Products Co. and former 
president of the Dental Manufacturers of America, Mr. Charlestein's 
professional life has seen the introduction to the U.S. market of many, 
many innovative and now commonly used essential products in the dental 
profession. His support for dental schools and dental education is well 
known.
  He is also an active member on the board of Har Zion Temple in Penn 
Valley, PA and on the board of the Jewish Theological Seminary of 
America. His support for programs fostering deeper religious 
understanding and commitment extend not only to his financial giving 
but to his personal involvement in communal prayer, and in family and 
institutional life on a daily basis.
  Along with his wife, Malvina, and daughter, Ellyn, this man of vision 
has taken a personal family tragedy--the death of a young son-in-law--
and turned it into a commitment of eradicating the suffering caused by 
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS]--Lou Gehrig's disease and has 
helped in the formation of support groups for patients; clinics 
dedicated to the treatment of this disease; and research projects in 
leading medical institutions worldwide.
  I hold up Mr. Morton Charlestein as an example of a great American, 
having served his country overseas in World War II, who, in his 
personal and business dealings knows no barrier of race, social status, 
religion, or gender; and whose generosity and cheerfulness bring 
blessing to us all. May such Americans be multiplied and granted long 
life and good health.

                          ____________________