[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 125 (Thursday, September 18, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF ANTONIO PELAEZ: CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF MATRIMONY AND 25 
                       YEARS OF A FAMILY BUSINESS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding gentleman, Mr. Antonio Pelaez of the American Cuban 
Community. On September 20, 1997, Mr. Pelaez will be celebrating two 
very important milestones in his life. The first joyous event is 
Antonio and Olga Pelaez's 50th wedding anniversary. The second is the 
25th anniversary of his company, ANPESIL Distributors, Inc.
  Fifty years ago Antonio and Olga Pelaez joined their love for each 
other in holy matrimony. Over the years, their love and strength has 
been handed down to their children, Antonio Jr., Luis, and Olga.
  A quarter of a century ago, this exceptional family, led by Mr. 
Pelaez and his son Antonio Jr., founded ANPESIL, one of the largest 
candy distributors in New Jersey. In the Cuban community, family owned 
businesses are common, but in the United States few have grown to be as 
successful as ANPESIL. Achieving the American Dream can be attributed 
to Mr. Pelaez's hard work and vision, as well as the strength of his 
family. Mr. Pelaez and his family along with his nephew Emilio Jr. have 
worked hard toward this achievement. Emilio Jr. is now the company 
treasurer, a position he took over after his father Emilio Sr. retired 
5 years ago.
  Mr. Pelaez left Cuba for Spain in 1961, where he worked as a salesman 
for the Swift Premium Co. Although he later founded his own frozen 
foods distribution company, he decided in 1970 to join his brothers in 
the United States with the hope that America would offer even greater 
opportunities for an entrepreneur. Mr. Pelaez has been distinguished as 
the only Hispanic member of Pennsylvania's Candy Hall of Fame. He has 
also received numerous awards from confectionery companies all over the 
world, and domestic banking and financial institutions.
  It is a great pleasure to honor and recognize Mr. Antonio Pelaez on 
the occasion of these two anniversaries. I ask that my colleagues join 
me in recognizing the outstanding commitment and dedication made by Mr. 
Antonio Pelaez and his company ANPESIL.

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