[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 28, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E72]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING JUDGE JOSEPH MATTINA UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

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                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 28, 2004

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, as the Western New York community gathers 
tonight to celebrate the life and career of the Honorable Judge Joseph 
Mattina, I rise to pay tribute to this outstanding jurist and dedicated 
public servant.
  Throughout his career, Judge Mattina has been an exemplary community 
leader. Over his 40 years as a Supreme Court and Surrogate Court Judge, 
he has displayed a selfless commitment to our fellow citizens and to 
the betterment of our community. He has truly served our society with 
tireless devotion, and his community contributions distinguish him as 
an example for us all.
  As a judge, his name has become well known throughout both New York 
State and our nation. He has presided over significant and challenging 
trials, such as the Attica Prison Rebellion. He has also been 
influential in overseeing important programs throughout the State.
  But Judge Mattina is known not only for his contributions to his 
profession, but for his contributions to our community. He is a 
decorated awardee, recipient of such awards as ``Outstanding Citizen of 
the Year'' and the ``National Brotherhood'' award. He has been honored 
by Time Magazine and has been inducted as a charter member of the Hall 
of Honor at the National Judicial College. He will be honored yet again 
this year when a state-of-the-art medical center located in Buffalo, NY 
is named after him: the Judge Joseph S. Mattina Medical Center. This is 
in recognition of his more than 35 years of service as a volunteer and 
as an important advocate of the construction of this facility.
  Judge Mattina has earned a legacy of outstanding leadership and 
superb dedication. He has made significant and considerable 
contributions to our community, for which we are all incredibly 
thankful.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in honoring Judge 
Joseph Mattina, and wish him the best of luck upon his retirement.

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