[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING PATRICK A. RODIO

                                 ______


                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 1996

  Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
pay tribute to Mr. Patrick A. Rodio, who is and continues to be an 
outstanding member of the Fairfax City community in my State of 
Virginia. On Sunday, May 5, 1996, the Central Fairfax Chamber of 
Commerce will be honoring Mr. Rodio for his numerous contributions to 
northern Virginia and for his loyal commitment to his family and fellow 
Virginians.
  Mr. Rodio grew up in southern New Jersey as the 8th of 10 children 
before moving to Fairfax City in 1957. He was the first in his family 
to complete his education and received many U.S. Army and Navy 
commendations for his work as a munitions expert. After joining the 
Fairfax community, Mr. Rodio quickly became an active community 
participant and leader by contributing his endless energy and vast 
knowledge to many civic organizations, services, and local legislative 
bodies.
  Mr. Rodio has been instrumental in building and strengthening area 
youth programs through the Fairfax Police Youth Club and has always 
been a major supporter of programs and activities for senior citizens. 
From 1958 to 1968, he acted as the coach and manager of the Fairfax 
Little League and served as its president in 1963. He also coached and 
managed the Fairfax Babe Ruth Baseball League for 9 years, was an 
assistant scout master for 4 years, and worked as an active member of 
the Fire and Rescue Services Task Force and the Fairfax Fire and Rescue 
Review Team. Mr. Rodio participated in the noonday Optimist Club and 
earned its 1985-86 Club Service Award. Additionally, he is a member of 
the Knights of Columbus, St. Leo's Catholic Church, and the Benevolent 
and Protective Order of the Elks.
  For 8 years, Mr. Rodio headed the Fairfax City Republican Committee 
as its chairman and received a well-deserved Award of Appreciation for 
his service to the committee in 1991. He achieved a perfect attendance 
record as a member of the Fairfax City Council from July 1984 to July 
1994 and represented the city of Fairfax in the Virginia Silver-Haired 
Legislature.
  His dedication to his community has proven instrumental to the 
achievement of many important changes in the city of Fairfax. His 
assistance was vital to the transformation of the old Fairfax High 
School into the City of Fairfax Museum and Visitors' Center and to the 
creation of the Veternas' Memorial Statue and Amphitheater at Fairfax 
City Hall. Without question, Northern Virginia gained a loyal and 
devoted citizen when Mr. Rodio arrived in the city of Fairfax in 1957. 
We are extremely proud and honored to count him as one of our own and 
to have the opportunity to thank him for his years of service.
  Mr. Speaker, at a time when localities are trying to find ways to 
promote community service and harmony, I know my colleagues will join 
me in applauding Mr. Rodio's enduring contributions to his fellow 
citizens.

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