[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 135 (Monday, September 29, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        IN HONOR OF NEIL DESENA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 29, 2003

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Neil DeSena for his 
years of dedicated leadership throughout the community of Bayonne, New 
Jersey. Mr. DeSena was unanimously selected as the Grand Marshall for 
this year's Bayonne Columbus Committee parade to be held on Sunday, 
October 12, 2003.
  Mr. DeSena has been a devoted member of the Bayonne community for 
over thirty years. His exemplary work in local organizations and his 
understanding of the needs of Bayonne residents have provided a great 
service to the entire community. First elected as the Third Ward 
Councilman in 1970, Mr. DeSena served four consecutive four year terms. 
In 1986, Mr. DeSena was re-elected to the City Council as a Councilman-
at-Large. He currently serves as a personal aide to Mayor Joseph V. 
Doria, Jr.
  A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Mr. DeSena fought on 
behalf of his country with great honor and valor, receiving an 
honorable discharge with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
  A licensed broker, Mr. DeSena opened his own insurance company in 
1982. His natural leadership qualities led him to serve as the 
president of the Local 164 Insurance Workers International Union, and 
as a member of the Union's General Executive Board.
  Mr. DeSena has received several awards from various community and 
business organizations, including the Patriots Award for God, Country, 
and Home from the Catholic War Veterans Post 1612 and the Ladies 
Auxiliary. He recently received the 2003 Honor Citizen Award from the 
New Jersey Honor Legion Police, and is a recipient of the Rudy DeAngelo 
Foundation Award and the Boy Scout Distinguished Award.
  Mr. DeSena pursued professional studies at the Professional School of 
Business, St. Peter's College, Seton Hall University and Fairleigh 
Dickenson University. He and his wife Marie are the proud parents of 
Robert, Julianne, and Neil, and the grandparents of Jessica and Robert 
Thomas.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Neil DeSena for his 
years of service and dedication to the citizens of Bayonne.

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