[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 18 (Thursday, February 12, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E176-E177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL AMATO MATTY SEMENZA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 2004

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise today to pay 
tribute to Major General Amato Matty Semenza, a dedicated and 
determined community leader who passed away suddenly on Sunday, 
February 1, 2004 at his home. Friends, family and community members 
will gather on Friday, February 13 at 11 a.m. at St. Edward's the 
Confessor Church in Clifton Park to honor his memory.
  General Semenza was appointed commanding general of the New York 
State Guard by Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller on July 20, 1973, after 
serving as deputy commanding general. He served as commander until 
1987. The General served the United States with distinction during his 
military career.
  The numerous decorations, citations and commendations bestowed upon 
him, speak volume about the character of General Semenza. He was 
awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Unit Citation, the American 
Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, the World 
War II Victory and Occupation Medals, the New York State Conspicuous 
Medal, the NYG Commendation Medal, the NYS Long and Faithful Service 
Decoration for 25 years of military service and the New York Guard 
Medal. General Semenza also served as the president of the State 
Defense Force Association of the United States.
  General Semenza earned his Bachelor of Science degree and master's 
degree in education from Fordham University. He began his teaching 
career in 1946 and 2 years later joined the faculty of Fordham College, 
where he met his wife, Renata Gouthier.
  In 1955, General Semenza began his work with the Roman Catholic 
Diocese of Albany. He served as diocesan superintendent of schools, 
director of the Diocesan Development and Stewardship Office and 
executive director of the National Catholic Stewardship Council Inc. He 
was appointed to the New York State Council of Catholic School 
Superintendents, chief administrator of the National Catholic Education 
Association and the American Association of Supervision and Curriculum 
Development.
  Beyond General Semenza's ceaseless civic work, he managed to be a 
loving and involved husband, father, and grandfather. To be well-known 
as not only a giving and determined individual, but also as a devoted 
family man, is a remarkable honor. I am sure that his family is very 
proud of the wonderful life he led. General Semenza was a wonderful 
individual who showed us the beauty and power of dedication, 
leadership, and wisdom. He was truly an inspiration to all who knew 
him.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the life 
of Major General Amato Matty Semenza.

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