[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 59 (Thursday, May 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E880-E881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF INTERNATIONAL BOXING REFEREE JOE CORTEZ: MAKING A 
                     DIFFERENCE IN THE RING OF LIFE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Joe 
Cortez, a man of uncommon kindness and dedication to his family and his 
community. Mr. Cortez has devoted much of his time and energy 
throughout his life to help others in the fight against drugs, as well 
as outreach programs to help the sick and needy. His contributions will 
be recognized at the monthly business luncheon of the New Jersey 
Hispanic Mercantile Federation on May 9 in Union City, NJ.
  Mr. Cortez was born and raised in New York City's Spanish Harlem. 
There he began his amateur boxing career, winning the Golden Gloves 
Bantamweight Championship title four times prior to turning 
professional in 1963. In his 4 years as a professional, Mr. Cortez 
earned a record of 18 wins and only 1 loss. Upon retiring from 
professional fighting, Mr. Cortez began a successful career in hotel 
management, rising to the position of assistant casino operating 
manager for a major company with properties in New York and Puerto 
Rico. Mr. Cortez's professional life came full circle when he returned 
to the boxing ring as a referee. He has since presided over 89 World 
Title Championship Fights in 11 countries.
  Mr. Cortez's humanitarian efforts are truly impressive and admirable. 
Through his involvement with an anti-drug task force in Yonkers, Mr. 
Cortez saw the need to ensure a smooth and successful transition back 
into society for former drug addicts and delinquents. He has been an 
integral part of a number of community based efforts, including a 
successful vision outreach program to provide eye

[[Page E881]]

care to those in need, fundraising events for the Juvenile Diabetes 
Foundations, and the youth-oriented Project Return.
  Family has been an important part of Mr. Cortez's life. He has been 
married to his wife Sylvia for 31 years and together they have three 
wonderful daughters. Following a crippling auto accident involving his 
beloved wife and daughter, Mr. Cortez has refocussed his efforts to 
raising awareness and money for spinal cord research.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this remarkable 
gentleman. Mr. Cortez's determination to excel in everything he does 
and desire to use his status to help those less fortunate, serve as 
shining examples for us all.

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