[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 22, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1356]]


                       TRIBUTE TO FRANK D. STELLA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 22, 1999

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, June 28, 1999, a large group of 
people from a wide variety of walks of life will gather to spend some 
time with, and pay tribute to, a distinguished citizen of Michigan--
Frank D. Stella. In many cases, those in attendance will be meeting one 
another for the first time. They may have little in common in terms of 
their occupations or their political affiliations and they will come 
from virtually all ethnic and religious backgrounds.
  What they will have most in common is their friend, Frank Stella, the 
warmth of his friendship, and the depth of his humanity that each has 
witnessed over the years.
  Frank Stella has been involved in a unique breadth of community 
activities, incessantly finding time from his highly successful 
entrepreneurship as Chairman and CEO of F.D. Stella Products, which he 
founded after his return from service in World War II. The following 
are just a sample of his activities over four decades: Board of 
Trustees at the University of Detroit-Mercy; Chairman, Merger 
Committee, Mt. Carmel Mercy Hospital and Samaritan Hospital; Chairman, 
Wayne State University Advisory Board; Board of Directors and Board of 
Trustees, Michigan Cancer Foundation; Board of Directors, Hispanics 
Organized to Promote Entrepreneurs (H.O.P.E., Inc.); Board of 
Directors, Detroit Renaissance; Board of Directors, New Detroit, Inc.; 
Board of Trustees of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 
Washington, DC; National Committee for the Vatican Judaica Exhibition; 
Chairman, Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Save Orchestra 
Hall, Inc.; Board of Directors, Michigan Opera Theatre; Board of 
Directors of the Detroit Round Table (Christians and Jews); Board of 
Trustees, WTVS/Channel 56--Detroit Public Television; and Member of the 
Board and Executive Committee, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall.
  I have been particularly privileged to work with Frank Stella in an 
arena that embodies his love of life--music. He was instrumental in the 
efforts to save Orchestra Hall. That magnificent and historic 
amphitheater for the sound of music was threatened by a wrecker's ball. 
Frank Stella jumped into action with others and today its unique 
acoustics spread the joy of classical and other music, instead of being 
replaced by a proposed fast food establishment. He also has been 
instrumental in the development of the Michigan Opera Theater.
  Frank Stella's life has been a testament to the American truth. 
Diversity is a source of strength. Pride in one's heritage empowers our 
nation, especially when it is blended with an appreciation for the 
heritage of all others.
  On June 28, hundreds of friends will gather--in Frank Stella's 
style--with informality, no long speeches, no pretenses, some good food 
and exuberant cheer. Proceeds from the dinner will not go for fancy 
personal gifts but to help others, the next generation, through the 
F.D. Stella Scholarship Fund at the National Italian American 
Foundation.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise today to enter these words 
into the Congressional Record. It is so fitting they be placed in the 
proceedings of this institution, which embodies Frank Stella's faith in 
American democracy and is built on the kind of political activity in 
which he has participated but which in the end can rise above all 
partisanship.

                          ____________________