[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 142 (Friday, October 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2030]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO MR. FRANCIS JOSEPH GIANTOMASI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 10, 2003

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
work of an outstanding individual, Mr. Francis Joseph Giantomasi. On 
Saturday, October 11, 2003, Mr. Giantomasi was honored at the Columbian 
Foundation Annual Columbus Day Humanitarian and Achievement Awards 
Dinner for his generosity and public service.
  Frank Giantomasi has dedicated the past 24 years to selflessly 
working to improve the quality of life for the men and women of Essex 
County. It is only fitting that he be honored, in this, the permanent 
record of the greatest freely elected body on earth.
  Born and raised in the Ironbound Section of Newark, NJ, Frank 
attended East Side High School before earning his teacher certification 
and a B.A. in History at St. Peter's College in Jersey City. Shortly 
after graduating, Frank began to consider a career in law and enrolled 
at the Seton Hall Law Center in Newark, New Jersey. Three years later, 
Frank graduated with a Juris Doctorate degree and, in 1979, he was 
admitted to the New Jersey State Bar.
  Opening a private practice in the city of Newark, Frank immediately 
began to demonstrate his strong personal commitment to justice. 
Although his primary focus was on real estate and developmental law, 
Mr. Giantomasi soon made a name for himself as a general litigator in 
courtrooms throughout northern New Jersey and New York. His reputation 
for integrity and leadership in important issues soon led to his being 
named the County Counsel for Essex County.
  Throughout his years living and working in Essex County, Francis 
Giantomasi has continued to give back to the community at large, 
serving the public both in and out of the courtroom. He has been a 
member of the West Essex YMCA Board of Managers, a member of the Newark 
International Airport Aviation Commission, and a member of the 
Ironbound Bank Board of Directors. More recently, Mr. Giantomasi has 
volunteered his time as the Chairman of the March of Dimes Essex County 
Jail & Bail Program, as cochairman of the Newark Fresh Air fund, and as 
chairman of the Essex Fells Democratic Committee. To each of these 
positions, Frank has brought the sense of excellence, initiative, and 
creativity that has made him one of the foremost men in his field.
  Mr. Giantomasi's exemplary service and spirit of volunteerism has 
been recognized throughout Essex County and Northern New Jersey. In 
1989, he was placed on the East Side High School's Alumni Roster of 
Superior Merit, and in 1990, he was honored by the Ironbound Boys' & 
Girls' Club as their Citizen of the Year. In May 1992, the Newark Star 
Ledger named Francis Giantomasi the Jerseyan of the Week, and he has 
since been twice named Man of the Year--once by the Church of Saint 
James Benefactors and once by the County of Essex.
  Mr. Speaker, the job of a U.S. Congressman involves so much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the extraordinary 
efforts of public servants like Francis Giantomasi. I ask that you join 
our colleagues and me in recognizing the invaluable service of Mr. 
Francis Joseph Giantomasi.

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