[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E23]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO SANTO SCRUFARI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN J. LaFALCE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 1998

  Mr. LaFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to a 
great Western New Yorker, Santo Salvatore Scrufari. As a laborer, 
carpenter, foreman, and superintendent, Santo has played a critical 
role in enriching the economy of Western New York. As an active member 
and an officer of Local 280 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and 
Joiners of America since 1964, Santo has spent decades helping his 
fellow union members and improving the lives of working families 
throughout the region. And finally, as my cousin, Santo has proven to 
be a trusted friend and family member.
  The new year marked the retirement of Santo Scrufari, bringing to a 
close over 35 years of distinguished service. Santo's career began in 
1962, as a laborer for the Scrufari Construction Company. Between 1962 
and 1970, he quickly moved through the ranks, becoming an apprentice 
carpenter, then graduating to journeyman carpenter, and finally 
becoming a carpenter foreman. In 1970, Santo moved to the Smith 
Brothers Construction Company, where he served as a superintendent 
through 1979. Finally, Santo served as a general superintendent for the 
Peter Scrufari Company from 1979 through 1984.
  These positions allowed Santo to play an important role in the 
construction or renovation of several major projects in our community. 
These building projects, which have all had a major impact on Western 
New York, include the North Tonawanda Library, Niagara University, the 
Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, the Wheatfield Salvage Treatment 
Plant, the Channel 29 TV Station, and several malls, departments 
stores, and supermarkets.
  But this tells only part of the Santo Scrufari story, for he has also 
been an active and influential union member for well over 30 years. 
Santo first joined Local 280 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters 
and Joiners of America in September 1964, and quickly distinguished 
himself as a champion of workers' rights. Throughout his tenure as a 
proud union man, Santo held numerous positions of great importance to 
the union and its members. From serving as Secretary of the 
Apprenticeship Committee, then as Vice President, and finally as 
President of Local 280, Santo has touched the lives of hundreds of 
workers and, in turn, their families.
  Santo's union service culminated in 1996, when he was appointed as 
the Director of Construction Organizing for the Western New York 
Regional Council of the Carpenters Union. In this and all other 
positions that Santo has held, he has proven to be a staunch defender 
of workplace fairness and safety, and other fundamental worker rights 
that we now take for granted.
  Mr. Speaker, anyone who has come into contact with Santo Scrufari can 
attest to his dedication to the labor movement. Indeed, he will be 
sorely missed. As both his Congressman and his cousin, I would like to 
offer my very best wishes to Santo and his wonderful wife, Charlene, 
for a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.

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