[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 75 (Friday, May 24, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         DAVID ANTHONY BERONIO

                                 ______


                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 1996

  Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, on rare occasions there are 
individuals who so distinguish themselves over their lifetime that it 
is appropriate and fitting to take a few moments to recognize them and 
the contributions they have made and continue to make to the great 
American experience. David Anthony Beronio of Vallejo, CA, is just such 
a distinguished American. Let me share a few insights and thoughts on 
this man who recently celebrated his 75th birthday, a man who has led a 
life filled with the fascinating spirit of adventure and contributions 
to his community and country.
  As many of my colleagues know, Dave Beronio is a renowned sports 
reporter, illustrator, and motivational speaker. Over the past 57 years 
he has honed his combination of crafts into an art form without peer or 
rival. He is a teller of stories about sports and life which has 
enriched the lives of countless others.
  Picture, if you will, that very special area of the famed Candlestick 
Park where a few giant white stars are painted. This is alumni corner, 
but for the die hard fans of the San Francisco Forty-Niners it may as 
well be the hall of fame. It is the place where the greats of the game 
are remembered, the hall of famers, all pros and other outstanding 
players who have made a major impact on the team and the fans. There is 
only one name on that great wall, Mr. Speaker, one name that was never 
sewn on the back of a jersey. One name that was not assigned a number 
in the program. Yet there it is on a giant white star--Dave Beronio.
  The early indications of a great reporter showed in Dave Beronio 
during his high school years in Vallejo where he excelled in academics 
and sports--especially football, track, and his real passion, boxing. 
It was during this time that he began working part time for the Vallejo 
Times Herald, a job that would become full time after graduation and a 
lifetime vocation for the next 57 years.
  World War II interrupted Dave's budding career and in 1942 he joined 
his fellow Americans in service to his country. As might be expected in 
a life such as Dave's one of his early assignments in the military was 
to the famed Hollywood Canteen with young starlets of the day such as 
Veronica Lake and Ava Gardner.
  It wasn't long, however, before Dave was assigned as a gunner on a 
newly formed B-17 crew and shipped to England to become part of the 
94th Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force. After completing an 
extraordinary 35 missions, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying 
Cross. His crew was returned to the States and Dave was assigned to an 
Army Air Crops base located near Phoenix, AZ.
  It was here that he met Katherine Rentinelli of Akron, OH. They were 
married in 1945, when Dave was discharged. Later that year, he and Kay 
returned to Vallejo, CA and his job at the Vallejo Times Herald. 
Together they began a loving family that would eventually include sons 
David, Ronald, and Barry.
  Dave was soon promoted to the position of sports editor and began his 
now trademarked style of not only reporting on the event but also 
drawing a sports portrait of not only reporting on the event but also 
drawing a sports portrait of the week's outstanding athlete. He 
retained his athletic talent over the years and became a speed partner 
in sparing drills with such boxing legends as Joe Louis, Archie Moore, 
Joey Maxim, and Ezzard Charles. A good reporter as well as a good 
boxer, Dave would have these champions sit after the workout for 
interviews and to be sketched.
  That kind of hands-on reporting, Mr. Speaker, is what separated Dave 
Beronio from his peers. He not only observed, he did. And in doing so, 
he gained the respect and appreciation of both athlete and reader. He 
has a unique insight into the mind and emotions of the sports champion, 
and it has shown in his writing, illustrating, and story telling for 
over half a century.
  Dave Beronio has taken this talent around the glode to Olympic Games, 
Super Bowls, World Series, and Rose Bowls, and he has always brought 
the spectacle and feeling home to the reader and listener. He is, after 
all, a teller of stories.
  Dave Beronio illustrations of the sports legends of this century each 
tell a story. They appeared in numerous national publications and have 
been lithographed into prized limited editions. Always the lover of 
community, Dave frequently donates these limited editions to charities 
for auction where they have raised thousands of dollars.
  To this day Dave Beronio remains in demand as a motivational speaker, 
energizing his audience with the excitement and spirit of his life. He 
should know, for he has lived life to the fullest.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in wishing 
the very best to Dave Beronio on his 75th birthday, a man who has given 
his very best for so many years, enriched the lives of so many, and 
contributed so much to our American culture.

                          ____________________