[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF DAVID PENNISI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 2004

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor David ``Rowdy'' Pennisi, 
who disappeared at sea on June 22, 2004. Commercial fishing was not 
only his profession, but also his passion in life. He will be lovingly 
remembered by family and friends for his generous and kindhearted 
nature.
  David Pennisi was raised on a ranch near Hollister, and was an active 
member with Future Farmers of America. He moved to Monterey when he was 
fourteen and quickly adapted to his new life on the wharf. Fisherman's 
Wharf has long been the center of a vibrant fishing and canning 
industry, made famous in Steinbeck's Cannery Row. David eagerly 
continued this tradition when he became a commercial fisherman himself.
  While David was respected around Monterey for his abilities as a 
fisherman, he was better known for the kindness and love he showed to 
all who knew him. In a profession dominated by stereotypes of loud, 
brash men, David, like his father, was regarded as a gentleman. A good 
friend of the family, Pat Flanagan, spoke about David at his memorial 
service, ``He died in a dying industry, with dignity and respect.''
  Mr. Speaker, David Pennisi was dedicated to a profession that is 
neither easy nor safe, but he loved it nonetheless. Not many people 
choose to become fishermen in this day and age, but David will continue 
to provide a shining example for generations to come. He has made a 
lasting impact on our community and the people with whom he worked. I 
join the communities of the Monterey Bay, his friends and his family in 
honoring this truly commendable man and all of his lifelong 
achievements.

                          ____________________