[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 28 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO FRANK GRAZIOSO FOR HIS WORK WITH THE ITALIAN-AMERICAN 
                               COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 1997

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on October 20, 1996, the Connecticut Grand 
Lodge, Order Sons of Italy in America will honor Frank Grazioso as its 
Citizen of the Year. It is my great pleasure to rise today to honor 
Frank and all that he has contributed to the Italian-American community 
in New Haven.
  Frank epitomizes the values that are important to the Italian-
American community. Together with his wife, Mary, he has raised two 
wonderful children. Frank and Mary, like so many families, have worked 
hard to make a home for their children. I know they must be very proud 
of their son, Henry, who is now a physician living in Philadelphia and 
their daughter, Claudia Anne, who is now a screenwriter in Los Angeles. 
In addition to family responsibilities, Frank and Mary, through her 
work as a school psychologist, have made remarkable efforts to reach 
out to countless others. A life-long resident of the city, Frank has 
truly made the people of New Haven his family.
  Citizen of the Year is a most appropriate honor for Frank because he 
is passionately involved in activities and events within the Italian-
American community. Frank's work as Chair for the Columbus Day 
Celebration always comes to mind because he has given so much of his 
time, talents, and energy to planning this important day for Italian-
Americans. He has also chaired the State of Connecticut Columbus 500th 
anniversary celebration. Frank has made the holiday a truly memorable 
one year after year.
  In addition to his work for the Columbus Day celebration, Frank has 
been involved with the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) 
since 1977. During this time, he was elected to the board of directors 
and has served on the committee on by-laws and as regional vice 
president of New England. In keeping with his commitment to his roots 
in Italy, Frank has traveled there three times to represent the NIAF at 
meetings and receptions. Recently, he was elected general counsel and 
national officer.
  Nothing speaks to Frank's character more than his efforts to help 
victims of the 1991 earthquake in Italy. It was typical of Frank's 
dedication to maintaining a close connection to the people of Italy. 
Frank's definition of family clearly encompasses so much more than 
blood relatives. He was named Cavaliere in the Ordine Al Merito della 
Republica for his contributions.
  I am proud to join the Connecticut Grand Lodge in honoring Frank with 
the Citizen of the Year Award. Frank has served as a link between New 
Haven and Italy. His enthusiasm and hard work ensures that Italian 
spirit and culture continue to thrive in New Haven.

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