[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 41 (Wednesday, April 5, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO JIM ``LABBY'' LaBAGNARA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2000

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call your attention to a 
remarkable person from my district, Jim ``Labby'' LaBagnara of 
Paterson, New Jersey, who was feted on March 30, 2000 because of his 
many years of service and leadership. It is only fitting that we gather 
here in his honor, for he epitomizes a strong spirit of caring and 
generosity.
  Jim ``Labby'' LaBagnara was born, raised and still lives in Paterson. 
He attended Eastside High School and earned five varsity letters in 
baseball and soccer as a student.
  In addition to playing for Eastside, he played baseball for the 
Emblems, American Legion Post 77, Public Service Electric & Gas, Fair 
Lawn A.C., Little Falls A.C., Glen Rock A.C. amongst other baseball 
teams in Northern New Jersey.
  ``Labby'' had a try out with the St. Louis Browns Major League 
Baseball Team. In addition, he was also offered baseball scholarships 
to Duke University, the University of North Carolina and Manhattan 
College. He pursued a career in baseball and was under contract with 
two Minor League teams.
  His life took an interesting turn when he was offered a job at Wright 
Aeronautical under the condition that he played baseball and soccer for 
them. While working at Wright, he learned to be a Machinist and to fly. 
He furthered his education and received an Aircraft and Engine 
Mechanic's License. He later became the Chief Pilot of Lincoln Park's 
Aero Flying Service, where he stayed until the bombing of Pearl Harbor, 
signaling the beginning of World War II. He then joined the Naval Air 
Force, and served with honor.
  After the war he pursued the fields of flying and sports. He is the 
Founder and President of Precision Gears and Products, Aero Flying 
Service, Eastern Gear, Inc., which he sold to Baker-Hughes Company. 
After selling the company, he went on to work for Baker-Hughes for 
another 24 years. These years instilled in him the skills necessary for 
him to become a stellar role model in the community.
  During this time he taught nearly 1,000 student pilots. He currently 
holds an Instructor's License as well as a Commercial Pilot's License 
for small and multiengined aircraft with instrument rating. He has 
flown land planes, seaplanes and helicopters.
  ``Labby'' is married to Alma LaBagnara and together they have three 
children including, Elissa, Susan and Dr. James LaBagnara, Jr. He 
continually touches the lives of others. For example he has sponsored 
and coached baseball for 47 years. As a player his batting avg. was 
.340. As a coach, he is seen as both a father figure and mentor to his 
players.
  His benevolence is unequaled in sports. He is always willing to give 
his time and financial support. He sponsored the Precision Gears 
Baseball Team, which played in the American Legion Baseball League. In 
1961, he joined with the All Wags A.C., Inc. to manage the 
Pasquariello-Bradle Post 187 ``All Wags'' Team, which brought numerous 
State and regional championships to the Paterson based group for over 
35 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Labby's family, 
friends, All Wags A.C., Inc., the City of Paterson, the State of New 
Jersey and me in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable service to 
the community of Jim ``Labby'' LaBagnara.

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