[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 14 (Friday, February 6, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ANDY DIVINCENZO

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 6, 2004

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a great man who 
will be sorely missed: Andy DiVincenzo of Buffalo, New York.
  Some people seem to have a special talent for success, a kind of 
Midas touch. Andy DiVincenzo was one of those people. Whether in his 
business and culinary endeavors, his charitable work, or his family 
life, Andy imbued everything he did with a special charm, energy, and 
passion.
  Andy was the founder, head chef, and owner of the famed restaurant 
Billy Ogden's, which opened in the Lovejoy area of Buffalo in 1989. 
Since opening, both Andy and Billy Ogden's have received numerous four-
star reviews. For 10 years running, Andy was selected to represent the 
Buffalo Bills at the Super Bowl's famous Taste of the NFL, where the 
Nation's finest chefs, as well as NFL legends, volunteer their time in 
support of hunger relief efforts throughout the country. Though busy 
with his restaurant and catering business, Andy also dedicated himself 
to numerous charitable causes. He devoted time to the Kids Escaping 
Drugs program and served on the board of the famous Camp Good Days and 
Special Times, which serves children with cancer and other life-
threatening illnesses.
  Within the local community, Andy was adored, known for his big heart 
and willingness to help people. He believed everyone deserved a second 
chance and worked to help provide it. Buffalo, Western New York, and, 
indeed, the world are better places for having had Andy DiVincenzo 
among us.
  Tragically, Andy has been taken from us too soon and too young. He 
passed away in his sleep on January 25 at the age of 52. He left behind 
a loving family, including his wife, Eleanor, daughters Tara and 
Adriana, and mother, Viola. These were the women in his life to whom he 
could never deny anything and for whom he would do anything to please. 
His siblings, Frank and Donna, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and 
others all join in mourning his death.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the 
remarkable life of Andy DiVincenzo and in extending our sincere 
condolences to his family.




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