[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        IN TRIBUTE TO AL AGOVINO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 16, 2002

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, Al Agovino is a man who knows how to give of 
himself. He started, officially, in the Pacific Theater with Motor 
Torpedo Squadron 36 and was awarded five Battle Stars.
  Back home in the Bronx he has also been generous with his time and 
ability. At St. Benedict's Church he has been President of the Holy 
Name Society and Co-ordinator of the Church Ushers and of the Blood 
Bank. He has been Grand Knight of St. Luke's Council of the Knights of 
Columbus. He has served on the New York State Autism Advisory Council. 
He also serves on the Bronx Consumer Council.
  He has also served on the Bronx Developmental Disabilities Service 
Office Parent Association, on the Human Resources Administration 
Advisory Council, and on the New York State Commission on Quality Care 
for the Mentally Disabled Advisory Council.
  If that wasn't enough he has been a vital advocate for parents and 
for all people with developmental disabilities and their families. He 
has served on the Board of the Association for the Help of Retarded 
Children and in that capacity rarely missed a meeting in over twenty 
years. His presence has made AHRC a force in its field.
  More immediately, I rise today to speak of Mr. Agovino with some 
sadness, for he is retiring from the Board of Visitors Association 
after 25 years of constant and devoted service. The Board oversees 
conditions and the quality of life offered to patients in the State 
Psychiatric and Developmental Centers. While on the Board, to which he 
was named by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate, he also 
served on many committees including Government Relations and Geriatric, 
and was also President of the New York State Association of Boards of 
Visitors. His leaving will leave a hole in our hearts and our 
abilities.
  Al and his wife Vera have been married for 55 years. They had six 
children who in turn gave them six grandchildren. I offer him my 
sincerest congratulations for all he has done, and it is a lot. I join 
with the countless others he knows and has helped in wishing the very 
best in all that he does. He has made the world a better place.

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