[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


IN HONOR OF JOSE ROSARIO: FOUNDER OF FOCUS AND A LEADER IN THE HISPANIC 
                               COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding gentleman, Jose Rosario, who served as the founding father 
of FOCUS and contributor for the endowment of the Hispanic American 
community. On October 10, 1997, the Puerto Rican Congress Inc. will 
posthumously honor Mr. Rosario with a special reception at the Hilton 
in Secaucus, NJ.
  Mr. Rosario, born in Moca, PR, passed away on August 29, 1997, in 
Carolina, PR. He was a hardworking accountant and a licensed real 
estate agent. Before moving to New Jersey 40 years ago with his wife 
Phyllis, he worked for the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It is through 
his roots and heritage that he left a legacy of determination for 
improving human services in the Hispanic-American community.
  Mr. Rosario, El Viejo as he was known to his friends, founded FOCUS, 
the Newark based social services agency, in 1967. Its mission was to 
provide education, job training, and other services for underprivileged 
Hispanics from the Newark area. Today, known as the Focus Hispanic 
Center for Community Development, the agency, led by Casto Maldonado, 
executive director, and Frank Morales, chairman of the FOCUS board of 
trustees, serves more than 9,000 clients every year through grants and 
donations to fund an annual budget of over $1 million.
  Mr. Rosario also established the New Jersey Office of Hispanic 
Affairs which set up the first bilingual education program in New 
Jersey schools and successfully pushed for passage of a law requiring 
Spanish interpreters in the courts. Mr. Rosario pressed for the State 
high school equivalency examination to be given in Spanish, helped 
establish the New Jersey Puerto Rican Statewide Parade Committee, and 
in 1977 was awarded a seton hall honorary degree in humanities or 
improving the way of life for Hispanics in New Jersey.
  I thank the Puerto Rican Congress for this tribute and it is an honor 
and a pleasure to recognize the accomplishments of this celebrated man. 
He is deeply respected for his tenacity in seeking the advancement of 
all Hispanic-Americans. I am certain that my colleagues will join me in 
paying tribute to this remarkable gentleman.

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