[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 50 (Monday, April 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM M. VACCA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 29, 2002

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
work of an outstanding individual, Mr. William M. Vacca, of Totowa, New 
Jersey, who was recognized on Wednesday, April 17, 2002 for his 
lifelong dedication to Don Bosco Technical High School in Paterson, New 
Jersey.
  Bill Vacca joined the Athletic Department at Don Bosco as a volunteer 
in 1970, and has been there ever since. A full time employee in Passaic 
County's historic textile industry, Bill has dedicated an immeasurable 
amount to those who make up the Don Bosco Tech family.
  It is thus only fitting that he be honored, in this, the permanent 
record of the greatest freely elected body on earth. This is a man who 
has lived the phrase ``give something back.''
  Born in Paterson on September 29, 1953, to William and Catherine 
Vacca, Bill attended local public grammar school before moving on to 
Don Bosco Tech. Upon his graduation in 1970, he immediately began to 
invest his energies back into the institution he loved. After eleven 
years as Assistant Athletic Director, Bill Vacca was named Athletic 
Director in 1981.
  Sadly, Don Bosco Tech will be permanently closing its doors later 
this year. This does not obscure the fact that Bill Vacca, along with 
so many other caring colleagues, made Don Bosco Tech a special place.
  Mr. Speaker, I sent all three of my sons to Don Bosco. I can say 
without reservation that the work of individuals like Bill Vacca will 
live on in the faces of those who attended that wonderful school.
  While the closing of Don Bosco Technical High School will cause great 
sadness in the greater Paterson area, it also be a time for 
celebration. All those touched by Bill Vacca and the Don Bosco 
community will treasure the memories and honor the successes they 
achieved.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves so much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the efforts of 
individuals like Bill Vacca.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the City of 
Paterson, Bill's family and friends, the Don Bosco Technical High 
School family, and me in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable 
service of William M. Vacca.

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