[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH S. STOLARZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention 
Joseph S. Stolarz of Passaic, NJ. In the week following Veterans Day, 
it seems appropriate that we would honor a man who has distinguished 
himself while serving his country in the armed services.
  Joseph was born in a small mining community in Pennsylvania, moving 
shortly thereafter to a farm in Poland, his family's native country. 
Returning to America in 1938, he settled in Passaic with his two 
sisters. Heeding the call to duty, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army on 
December 12, 1940. He was stationed at Fort Dix when he received word 
of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor.
  Joseph's division was quickly broken up and used to defend the 
beaches of New York and New Jersey from any German assault. He was 
finally sent abroad in May 1944, landing in Liverpool. Joe's division, 
the 30th participated in the D-Day landings in France. After securing 
the beaches of Normandy, the 30th division participated in the allied 
drive across France, Belgium, and Germany.
  Joe didn't escape the battlefields of Europe unscratched. In January 
1945, he was hit twice within 2 days, ultimately spending months in a 
VA hospital recuperating. Despite his injuries, Joe served our country 
with valor. In all, he received a defense medal, two Purple Hearts, a 
Bronze Star, a World War Two Victory Medal, a European Medal, an Expert 
Infantry Badge, and a medal from the French city of St. Lo. He was 
honorably discharged from military service on November 12, 1945.
  Upon his return to New Jersey, Joe became a civilian success. He 
completed his education, graduating from Passaic High School and 
ultimately attending Fairleigh Dickinson University. While visiting 
Poland in 1956, he met his wife and the future mother of his five 
children, Anna Brusik. In 1962, Joe fulfilled a lifelong dream when he 
purchased the Crystal Ballroom, where he continues to operate his 
tavern business with the aid of his wife and son, Joe Jr.
  Joe has also been active in his community and is involved in a number 
of political and cultural associations including the American Legion, 
the Tavern Owner's Association, the Central of Polish Organizations, 
the Holy Rosary Young Men's Club, and the Veterans' Alliance. Joe is 
also a regular on the parade circuit, marching in the annual Passaic 
Memorial Day event, as well as the Pulaski Day Parade.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and Joseph's 
family and friends in celebrating the life of Joseph Stolarz, a 
patriot, entrepreneur, and family man.

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