[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 148 (Tuesday, December 5, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF JULES J. BONAVOLONTA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2000

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of Jules J. Bonavolonta, this year's recipient of the 
North Ward Center's Monsignor Geno Baroni Award.
  The North Ward Center provides educational, cultural, and social 
programs to improve the quality of life for thousands of Essex County 
residents. Each year, the Center pays tribute to the life of the late 
Monsignor Baroni, a man whose dedication to the less fortunate was an 
integral force behind the Center's development and success. The Center 
honors the Monsignor by recognizing a community leader, who best 
exemplifies the life, spirit, and commitment of this inspirational man.
  Mr. Bonavolonta was chosen as the honoree this year based on his 
service to the country in the military, his contributions to the fight 
against crime, and his rise to success in the business world.
  A native of Newark, New Jersey, Mr. Bonavolonta grew up in the Essex 
County Parish of Sacred Heart Cathedral. He is the son of Italian 
immigrant Ralph Bonavolonta and American-born Mary Bonavolonta. He 
attended St. Benedict's Prep and received his Bachelor's and his 
Master's Degree in Public Administration from Seton Hall University in 
1975. During more than six years of service as a Green Beret in the 
U.S. Special Forces during the Vietnam War, Mr. Bonavolonta returned to 
the U.S. a highly decorated veteran. He was awarded the Silver Star, 
Bronze Star with ``V'' for Valor (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Purple Heart, 
Air Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), and the Vietnamese Cross of 
Gallantry.
  Upon Mr. Bonavolonta's return, he began his 23-year career of 
exceptional and dedicated service to the Federal Bureau of 
Investigation. In this capacity, he spearheaded the efforts to combat 
organized crime in this country. As Chief of the Organized Crime and 
Narcotics Division of the FBI's New York City Office, he was 
instrumental in securing the indictments and convictions that made the 
1980's the FBI's most successful decade in the battle against organized 
crime.
  Mr. Bonavolonta now serves as Vice Chairman of MBNA America Bank, 
N.A. He and his wife Linda have been married for 32 years. They have 
two children, Maria and Joseph.
  For his many accomplishments and for his service to the country, I 
ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Bonavolonta, a 
very deserving recipient of this year's Monsignor Geno Baroni Award.

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