[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 65 (Thursday, May 6, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S4932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO A LEGENDARY PUBLIC OFFICIAL

 Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Mayor 
Gerald A. Calabrese of Cliffside Park, New Jersey as he is honored for 
a lifetime of distinguished service to the citizens of his community, 
county, and state by the Temple Israel Community Center, celebrating 
its 75th anniversary.
  Gerry began his career in public service by enlisting in the Navy and 
serving his country during World War II. After returning to the United 
States, Gerry turned his focus to education and entered St. John's 
University where he was chosen as an All-American for basketball. Upon 
graduation, he continued playing basketball in the National Basketball 
Association for the Syracuse Nationals.
  Gerry retired from his sports career and was quick to enter into 
public service as he was elected to the Cliffside Park Borough Council 
in 1955. In 1959, Gerry was elected to his first term as the mayor of 
Cliffside Park, a post he has retained for the past forty years. During 
his tenure, Gerry has been always ready and willing to meet with his 
constituents and listen to their concerns. He has raised the bar in 
constituent services, as he has always been ready and willing to help 
those in need. Continuing in this vein, Gerry served on the Bergen 
County Board of Freeholders from 1975 to 1985, as Bergen County 
Democratic Chairman from 1991 to 1998, the New Jersey Delegation to the 
National Democratic Convention in 1988 and 1992, on the New Jersey 
Board of Public Utilities from 1960 to 1987, and on the 1992 New Jersey 
Congressional Re-Districting Committee.
  Gerry Calabrese is respected by all in and around his community and 
his activities extend beyond his public service career. He is a life 
member of the PBA Local 96, N.J. State Association of Chiefs of Police, 
Cliffside Park Little League, Polish American Democratic Club. 
Hackensack Unico and Cliffside Park B'nai B'rith named him ``Man of the 
Year.''
  Mayor Calabrese is a legendary public servant in New Jersey and is 
most deserving of this distinguished honor. I am proud to recognize 
Gerry and his many years of distinguished service.

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