[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1307-E1308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL A. BRAVETTE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 1997

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention 
Michael A. Bravette of Cedar Grove, NJ.
  Michael was born on September 19, 1926 in Newark, NJ to Pasquale and 
Philomena Bianco Bravette. One of two children, he was raised in the 
city of Newark and attended the city's Barringen High School. During 
World War II, at the age of 18, Michael entered the U.S. Navy. He 
served as an electronic technician's mate, third class aboard the heavy 
cruiser U.S.S. Bremerton, CA-130, flagship of the Seventh Fleet in the 
Pacific Theater of Operations and earned five medals for his bravery 
and valor.
  In 1949, Michael graduated from the Newark College of Engineering, 
now known as N.J.I.T., with a bachelor of science in electrical 
engineering and a master of science in management engineering. He was a 
founder and an officer in the fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi and earned a 
Student Council Pendant Award, for his service as a class officer and 
in other campus activities.
  Michael's first professional position was as a material handling 
sales engineer who sold the largest single contract in the history of 
the company--overhead traveling cranes for maintenance on the then-new 
Tappan Zee Bridge.
  A retiree since 1989, Michael was employed for over 30 years in 
marketing with both the Kearfott-Singer Co. and subsequently, the 
Plessey Co., as manager for advertising and customer relations. While 
at Kearfott-Singer, he cochaired their first successful motivation 
program, was the communications chairman for the zero defects program 
and served as president of the company's Toastmasters Club. During his 
many invaluable years of service, Michael was listed in Who's Who in 
America, Finance and Management.
  One of the highlights of Michael's career was touring the company's 
facilities for 2 days with Apollo 13 astronaut, Fred W. Haise, Jr. He 
also prepared presentations and tours for astronauts Terry Hart and 
Mark Lee, Senator Bill Bradley, Congressman Jim Courter and 
Congresswoman Marge Roukema.
  In 1964, Michael was appointed by then New Jersey Governor Richard J. 
Hughes as a tercentenary toastmaster lecturer for the New Jersey 
Tercentenary Commission. In this capacity, he was able to speak before 
several groups and was the guest speaker for the township of Cedar 
Grove 4th of July celebration held at the Memorial High School stadium. 
For his services, Michael was awarded by Governor Hughes a New Jersey 
Tercentenary Medal.
  Michael is and always has been an active member of his community. He 
has been a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena church since its 
construction and currently serves as one of the church's neighborhood 
ambassadors. Michael served as president of the Holy Name Society in 
1960 and again in 1966. Under his leadership, membership in the society 
increased from 40 to 250. Also, Michael served as cochair of the 1965 
fundraising drive which doubled the weekly donations to the church.

[[Page E1308]]

  For several years, Michael was assistant coach and manager for Little 
League baseball and football in Cedar Grove. He also was a member of 
Cedar Grove's Democratic County Committee.

  Michael remains active in the Cedar Grove Elks Lodge No. 2237 having 
served as exalted ruler and as chairman of the trustees. He was the 
public relations district chairman for the New Jersey State Elks 
Association 1975-76. He actively served on membership, handicapped 
children, housing, Memorial Day services, Flag Day, Mother's Day 
services, and investigation committees. He also served as the lodge's 
justice of the forum.
  In 1989, Michael joined the Cedar Grove chapter of UNICO National and 
served as the chapter's vice-president, and president. Currently 
serving as publicity chairman, Michael authored special biographical 
news releases for Michael A. Saltarelli when he was elected auxiliary 
bishop, Archdiocese of Newark in 1990 and James Troiano who was 
appointed a superior court judge in 1992. He also promoted the special 
UNICO Dinner Dance held in 1996, in honor of Bishop Saltarelli who left 
New Jersey to become bishop for the diocese of Wilmington, DE.
  As UNICO's membership chairman for 3 years, Michael nearly doubled 
the chapter's membership. He was appointed to the UNICO National 
Editorial Advisory Committee and the Gay Talese Literary Award 
Committee by the national president. He was honored by the Cedar Grove 
chapter as ``Man of the Year'' at the chapter' 10th Anniversary Dinner 
Dance in 1996. Michael is also a member of the Center for Italian and 
Italian-American Culture.
  Michael is married to Florence Beltram whom he first met in high 
school. They have three children and five grandchildren. Their daughter 
Robyn is married to Craig Sloboda and the two live in Milford, PA. The 
couple has two daughters, Randi, 15 and Ashley, 10. Their son Brian is 
a CitiCorp vice-president and lives in Cedar Grove with his daughter 
Larisa, 12. Their youngest son, Barry, is a cardiologist and lives in 
Voorhees, NJ with his wife Cindy and his twin sons, Christopher and 
Matthew, 7.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Michael's family 
and friends and the township of Cedar Grove in recognizing Michael A. 
Bravette for his outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

                          ____________________