[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 93 (Friday, June 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF RAPHAEL VITALE FOR DISTINGUISHED AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO 
                             HUDSON COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a special 
gentleman, Raphael Vitale, who has distinguished himself through his 
continuous dedication to the residents of my district. Mr. Vitale will 
be honored by his family and friends on June 29, 1997 at Anthony's 
Restaurant in his hometown of Hoboken, NJ. Sunday's celebration 
recognizes his long history of selfless service to his community.
  Throughout his long career, Mr. Vitale has been a religious man, a 
model citizen and devoted family man. He entered the St. Francis 
Seminary in New York at the age of 17. He later joined the film and 
production industry as a member of the Spotlight Production Co. in New 
York. In 1941, he became the production coordinator for Koven's in 
Dover, NJ where he supervised the production of military equipment for 
our country's effort in World War II.
  Mr. Vitale embarked on his public career in 1959 when he took his 
first assignment as a park attendant, helping to ensure the safety of 
his community. In 1961, he assumed the responsibilities of deputy 
director of health and welfare, and pursued the high safety and health 
standards of our area's restaurants, hospitals and clinics. In 1963, he 
started his tenure as Hoboken's director of Public Works, Revenue and 
Finance. In 1979, Mr. Vitale began serving Hudson County, as its 
production coordinator. In this position, he was the county 
troubleshooter for numerous vital issues, particularly budgeting and 
allocation of public funds.
  His 19 years of service to Hoboken and his 9 years to Hudson County 
are an example of commitment and loyal service. His record stands on 
its own. He is a firm believer that hard work is the best way to meet 
the challenges of the future.
  Family has always played a major role in Mr. Vitale's life. This year 
Mr. Vitale's wife, Lina, his three sons, Michael, William and Joseph, 
and his two stepsons, Michael and Matthew Canarozzi, celebrated his 
80th birthday on June 2, 1997. Raphael and Lina are the proud 
grandparents of nine grandchildren and the great grandparents of one 
child.
  Mr. Vitale epitomizes excellence in community service, and has had a 
positive impact on many lives. It is an honor and pleasure to have such 
a remarkable individual residing in my district.

                          ____________________