[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 137 (Tuesday, October 12, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING JOHN BARONE AS HE IS NAMED WEST HAVEN ITALIAN-AMERICAN OF THE 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 12, 1999

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to stand today 
to join with the community of West Haven, CT, as they honor my dear 
friend, John Barone, as Italian-American of the Year.
  This weekend is special to Italian-Americans across the Nation. We 
join together to commemorate the historic voyage of Christoforo Colombo 
and celebrate the strength of our heritage. Colombo's determination, 
hard work, and courage led the way across the seas for millions to 
follow. These immigrants--our parents and grandparents--had little more 
than hope and determination, yet they built the strong, vital 
communities that have become the backbone of Connecticut and our great 
Nation. Each year, the West Haven community honors a member who has 
demonstrated this same leadership and courage. This year, that man is 
John Barone.
  John has been a driving force in the West Haven community since he 
and his wife, Ann, first made their home here 48 years ago. John 
illustrates the vital difference an individual can make in a community. 
Through his years of dedication to the Italian-American Club and his 
unfailing efforts to improve the quality of life for the families of 
West Haven, John has always endeavored to help his neighbors in any way 
that he could. With his ever-present cigar, and accompanying smile, 
John's warmth and compassion have become a true source of inspiration 
and comfort to our community.
  John has spent his life preserving and promoting the strong values of 
Italian-Americans--hard work, family and neighbors, and the importance 
of keeping our traditions and heritage alive. Last year, I had the 
opportunity to join family, friends, and over 100 community members who 
gathered to dedicate the West Haven Beach Bocce courts in his honor. 
Bocce is a game that combines strategy, skill, and determination. 
Carrying the true spirit of Italian culture, it is played in Italian-
American neighborhoods across the country. John's love of bocce is 
well-known. His determination to create easy access to the game for the 
residents of West Haven, and dedication to bringing them together to 
share and enjoys a game that has its origins in 19th century Italy is 
truly characteristic of John. Today, these courts provide endless hours 
of enjoyment for people of all ages from dawn until dusk.
  John is an extraordinary individual who has spent his life striving 
to improve the quality of life for all members of the West Haven 
community. He is a true friend and I am proud to rise today to 
recognize his accomplishments and join with family, friends, and the 
West Haven community as they name him this year's Italian-American of 
the Year.

                          ____________________