[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH PINGA

 Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I would like to take this 
opportunity to pay tribute to the late Joseph Pinga, a community leader 
who passed away on September 1st, in West Warwick, Rhode Island. Mr. 
Pinga was best known for his community giving and his vigilance that 
helped to reform the West Warwick town government.
  Mr. Pinga served honorably in the U.S. Navy and worked to establish 
his business, Westcott Baking Company, of which he was the owner and 
operator for over forty years. In this capacity, Mr. Pinga was regarded 
not only as a local pioneer, but also as a defender of rights for small 
business owners. In fact, in 1978, Time Magazine recognized Joe's 
perseverance in an article about his struggle with the Occupational 
Safety and Health Administration.
  Joseph Pinga certainly was a believer in community involvement. 
Numerous charitable organizations could always count on Mr. Pinga's 
generosity without ever requesting any public acknowledgement. In 
addition, Joe ran for mayor of West Warwick in 1990 and was a member of 
the local Elks Lodge.
  Mr. President, I join with all Rhode Islanders in extending to Mr. 
Pinga's family our sympathy and best wishes.

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