[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2216-E2217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF DESPINA MARANGOS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 1997

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Despina Marangos, one of my constituents who represents the hard-
working spirit of a first generation American, on her 80th birthday.

[[Page E2217]]

  Despina Marangos was born in Bethlehem, PA, on November 14, 1917. 
Despina's parents, Zaharias Kyriacou from Cyprus and Chrisanthy 
Protoulis from Lesvos, Greece, had entered the United States through 
Ellis Island in the early 1900's.
  When Despina moved to New York at age six and enrolled in P.S. 116, 
her English language skills were limited. yet she graduated as 
valedictorian of her class and went on to attend Julia Richman High 
school where she was an honor student.
  Despina's devotion to her family and community was evident in her 
willingness to act as an interpreter. Her devotion to her family was 
further exhibited during the Depression when Despina entered the work 
force at an early age to work with her mother in the garment industry.
  At age 20, Despina met Pantelis John Maragos from Cyprus. They were 
married just before her 21st birthday on November 6, 1938, at Zodoho 
Pygi Greek Orthodox Church in the Bronx. Despina and Pantelis 
celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary just yesterday.
  Despina continued to work until her daughter, mary Ann, was born in 
1943. but, during World War II, Pantelis was sent overseas with the 
Navy. Despina was forced to move in with her parents and take a job at 
a defense plant in Long Island City. She worked nights and cared for 
her child during the day.
  After the war, Pantelis returned and their son, John Zaharias, was 
born in 1950. Despina continued to enrich her life with reading, 
helping her children and caring for her aging parents. She also found 
time to be a den mother and an officer in the Women's Auxiliary and in 
the Parents' Association.
  In 1959, a new phase of Despina's life began when she went back to 
work for the Christmas season at Macy's. Her work was so exemplary that 
Macy's retained her for 30 years. Since retiring, she has remained 
active in the retiree chapter of her union, Macy's Local 1S, and in the 
senior center she and Pantelis attend, where she is a board member.
  As grandparents, Despina and Pantelis often travel with their 
granddaughters, Cindy and Denise. Even with Pantelis recovering from a 
stroke a year ago, they still make short trips. They are both working 
hard on his recovery and look forward to the day they can travel freely 
again.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise with me in this tribute to 
Despina Marangos, the daughter of immigrants who has combined the best 
of her hellenic heritage with the opportunities America has provided.

                          ____________________