[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 16, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   AN INNOVATOR, PHILANTHROPIST, HERO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 16, 1996

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a special 
person--Alex Manoogian--who passed away last week. America has not only 
lost a kind benefactor and gentle heart, it has lost a talented 
inventor and a perfect model of the American dream.
  A penniless Armenian immigrant who came to America in 1924, Manoogian 
was a business leader from the start. He founded the Masco Corp. in 
1926 producing parts for the auto industry. In the 1950's, Manoogian 
revolutionized the plumbing fixture industry with his innovations--
particularly the renowned Delta faucet.
  While his wealth exploded with each success, Manoogian never forgot 
the less fortunate and his Armenian people. Manoogian donated more than 
$90 million to charity and education in his lifetime. His enduring gift 
to Detroit is the Manoogian mansion, the official mayoral residence, 
which he donated to the city in 1966.
  He was a father figure to metro Detroit's 40,000-strong Armenian-
American community and has served as an example to Armenians throughout 
the world. He served as international president of the Armenian General 
Benevolent Union for 36 years. For his hard work, leadership, and 
generosity, the Armenian Government recently awarded Manoogian its 
National Hero Medal.
  His name has been bestowed on numerous buildings at local 
universities and his endowments have helped create an Armenian studies 
program at the University of Michigan. He also has a senior citizen 
home named for him in my district in Livonia.
  It was an honor to know such a great man. He was a generous man with 
a kind heart. He was truly an example of the American dream. He fled 
chaos and tyranny in post-World War I Turkey, immigrated to America, 
and pursued his dream. He succeeded and never forgot his heritage.
  Alex Manoogian was a good friend to all he knew and those he didn't 
know, but could help. He will be missed but his legacy and spirit will 
remain ingrained in our souls forever.

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