[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1005]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO RALPH LIBERTO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 2, 2004

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a dear friend and 
selfless public servant, Ralph Liberto. Ralph's dedication to working 
families spanned a lifetime, from his early days as a Marine Raider in 
World War II, through his service as a union leader, and finally as a 
trusted County Commissioner representing southwest Warren for the past 
14 years. Ralph died on March 15th at the age of 80, after quietly 
battling leukemia.
  For more than 30 years, Ralph played a major role in defining and 
changing Macomb County. Ralph Liberato distinguished himself as a 
friend to the working families and senior citizens in Macomb County, a 
friend to military veterans, and as an honest, dedicated and respected 
public servant.
  After proudly serving his beloved country from 1940-1946 in the 
United States Marine Corps, he began working at a Chevrolet Gear and 
Axle plant. He quickly earned the respect of his fellow union 
employees, who elected him to the highest UAW office in the plant, shop 
chairman. He continued to champion labor rights as UAW Local 160's 
first president, then union leader for the AFL-CIO, and government 
relations director for AFSCME.
  Ralph Liberato saw public service as a way to continue his deep sense 
of duty to the community and to his fellow citizens. A spirited 
political leader, he began cooking spaghetti for countless political 
and charitable fund raisers, providing his famous pasta at events from 
the shores of Lake St. Clair to Lansing.
  In 1990 he was elected to Macomb County's Board of Commissioners, 
where he served on a variety of committees. His colleagues relied on 
his negotiation and debate skills, eventually electing him Vice Chair 
of the Board from 1996-2001. As a member of the Parks and Recreation 
Board and a fan of big band music, he started senior citizen swing 
dances held at the Freedom Hill Park and Metro Beach. To honor 
Commissioner Liberato's legacy, Independence Hall at Freedom Hill 
County Park was recently renamed `` Ralph A. Liberato Independence 
Hall.''
  Later in life, Ralph continued to fight for causes he believed in. He 
diligently worked to raise funds for Washington D.C.'s World War II 
Memorial honoring his fellow veterans.
  Whatever endeavor or job Ralph took on, he did it with his whole 
heart and a deep sense of duty for serving those around him. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Ralph Liberto for all his 
tireless work on behalf of our community and citizens.

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