[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 72 (Friday, June 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1045]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   A TRIBUTE TO PASQUALE ``PAT'' J. CURCIO, OF COPIAGUE, LONG ISLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 5, 1998

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my friends and 
neighbors as we pay tribute to Pasquale ``Pat'' J. Curcio, of Copiague, 
who received an ``Honorary Doctorate Degree'' from New York Institute 
of Technology for his leadership in many of Long Island's civic, 
community and educational causes.
  Pat Curcio was honored because the college appreciates his seemingly 
endless contributions of time and energy to the Long Island community. 
Pat works tirelessly to improve the quality of life of all his 
neighbors, and his support, leadership and dedication have made our 
community a better place.
  To celebrate this recognition, Pat's friends are establishing a 
scholarship fund at New York Institute of Technology in his name. This 
scholarship will help deserving students pursue their dreams of a 
college education and a career in communications, engineering, criminal 
justice, a political science or medicine.
  Pat's accomplished business life includes more than 35 years 
experience in computer graphics, aerospace engineering, 
telecommunications and architectural design, leading to many awards and 
accolades. He received the ``1st Shuttle Flight Achievement Award'' and 
the ``Creative Development of Technology Award'' from NASA and the 
``Recognition of Achievement Award'' for his work on the Orbital Flight 
of the Space Shuttle.
  A natural leader, Pat serves as Vice Chairman for the New York State 
Conservative Party, and Chairman of the Suffolk County and Babylon Town 
Conservative Parties. For 25 years, Pat served the Babylon Town Zoning 
Board of Appeals, and has been recognized for his exceptional public 
service by every major political party, organization and club in New 
York State, Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
  Yet, Pat is most proud of his work on behalf of fellow Long Islander 
Corporal Anthony Casamento in his battle against bureaucratic red tape 
so that he could receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his 
heroic actions at Guadalcanal. Pat spearheaded a grassroots 
organization that for two and a half years worked to bring recognition 
to Corporal Casamento's heroism. President Jimmy Carter presented 
Corporal Casamento with the Medal of Honor in a White House, Rose 
Garden ceremony.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join me in honoring Pat Curcio and to recognize his commitment to 
promoting and protecting the quality of life for all of Long Island, 
for his family and his community. We are truly blessed to count him as 
our friend and neighbor.

                          ____________________