[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 50 (Tuesday, April 13, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S3660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO MR. MICHAEL A. FERRARA, JR.

 Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize 
Michael A. Ferrara, Jr. as he is honored as an Outstanding Italian 
American by the Sons of Italy organization. Michael has enjoyed a 
fruitful legal career, multiple philanthropic endeavors, and a 
beautiful family.
  Michael was born in South Philadelphia to the children of Italian 
immigrants. His father worked hard for the Pennsylvania Railroad and 
his mother worked for Wanamakers once Michael and his sister, JoAnn, 
were grown. He was raised in this city and stayed close after 
graduating high school, attending Villanova University on a NROTC 
scholarship. Michael graduated from Villanova with a degree in 
Mathematics and soon after, began his naval service.
  In the Navy, Michael served aboard both a submarine and a destroyer, 
visiting Ireland, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Tunisia. His service was 
extended to five years due to the Vietnam War, which is where he spent 
his last year. While in DaNang, Michael taught English to Vietnamese 
children for the U.S. Information Agency and helped deliver Marines, 
tanks, and ammunition to river bases along the demilitarized zone. At 
the age of 23, Michael was in command of a mini-fleet of 25 boats and 
250 men. His service in Vietnam was rewarded with several commendations 
including the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendations, Vietnam 
Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars.
  After completing his military service, Michael attended law school at 
the University of San Diego. After graduation, he began his successful 
legal career. Michael has been elected President of the Association of 
Trial Lawyers of America, as well as President of the 2500 member New 
Jersey Trial Lawyer's Association. He has also served as President of 
the National Civil Justice Foundation. Recently he was selected, along 
with four other attorneys, to represent the Attorney General of New 
Jersey in the lawsuit against the tobacco industry.
  In addition to his extensive legal career, Michael has served his 
community through various philanthropic endeavors, including the March 
of Dimes and the New Jersey State Aquarium's education program. As a 
fellow Italian American it gives me great pleasure to recognize Michael 
Ferrara and his achievements, both in his career and his community. He 
is a man most deserving of this award and his actions should be highly 
commended.

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