[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 51 (Thursday, April 30, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               TRIBUTE TO THOMAS E. HARDY AND ANN CESTARO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 1998

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention 
Thomas E. Hardy of Prospect Park, New Jersey and Ann Cestaro of Totowa, 
New Jersey. Tom and Ann were honored at the Passaic Valley Elks Lodge 
2111 Awards Dinner.
  Tom was born on December 16, 1947 in Paterson, New Jersey. As a 
resident of Paterson, he attended the local public schools, including 
P.S. No. 5 and Central High School, where he graduated in 1965. Upon 
graduating from high school, Tom was drafted into the United States 
Navy and served his country with honor.
  As an Aviation Gunners Mate, 2nd Class during the Vietnam War, Tom 
received numerous medals and commendations, including the National 
Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign 
Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary 
Medal (Korea). He was honorably discharged in 1970.
  After leaving the U.S. Navy, Tom decided to further his education. He 
attended Southwestern College from 1970 to 1972, earning an Associate's 
degree in Finance. From 1973 to 1976, he attended San Diego State, 
earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Upon graduating from 
San Diego State, Tom then attended Florida State, and in 1980 earned an 
M.B.A. degree in Finance.
  During the years 1970 to 1982, he worked for Martin Marietta, in both 
California and Florida. Starting out as a senior buyer, Tom worked his 
way up to become chief of procurement, responsible for purchasing and 
establishing out-of-town representation for the company. In 1982, Tom 
came back to New Jersey and was employed by the Kearfott Guidance and 
Navigation Corporation. As a senior buyer, he was responsible for 
contracts relating to computer hardware and software, as well as 
government contracts. Tom also was responsible for the inspection of 
facilities, production ability, and financial worthiness of all sub-
contractors utilizing company and customer personnel. In 1994, Tom was 
employed as a senior buyer by DRS Military Systems of Oakland. He was 
responsible for the procurement of materials for the ASVS program, and 
operating on strict budget, was able to save the company more than 
$265,000.
  Tom was a Scout Master from 1986 to 1989 for BSA Troop 2, St. Paul's 
Church, Prospect Park. He is a member of V.F.W. Post 5084, Elmwood Park 
and has been a member of the Passaic Valley Elks Lodge since 1991. As 
an active member of the Elks, Tom has served as Memorial Service 
Chairman, Parade Chairman, Charity Ball Chairman, and Flag Chairman. He 
is also the Lodge's Past President and Exalted Ruler.
  Ann Cestaro is a resident of Totowa, having lived there for 40 years. 
Having been married for 33 years, she has three married daughters and 
three grandchildren. She is employed by Cestaro's Furniture 
Refinishing, a 25 year-old family-owned business.
  Ann is a member of the Passaic Valley Elks Lodge Ladies Auxiliary for 
30 years. She has served twice as President and in many other 
capacities. She is also active with the Veterans Committee and the 
Handicapped Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Tom and Ann's 
family and friends, and the members of the Passaic Valley Elks Lodge 
2111 in recognizing the many outstanding and invaluable contributions 
Thomas E. Hardy and Ann Cestaro have made to our community.

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