[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 25, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING G. FRED DIBONA, JR.

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, today I reflect on the loss of a 
dear friend. On January 11, 2005, G. Fred DiBona, Jr. passed away after 
a 15-month battle with cancer. I have known Fred for more than 11 years 
and have developed a close relationship with Fred and his family. The 
DiBona family has suffered a tremendous loss, and I offer them my 
condolences and deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
  On February 20, 1951, G. Fred DiBona, Jr. was born in South 
Philadelphia to Common Pleas Court Judge, G. Fred DiBona and the former 
Rose D'Amico. Fred Jr. was raised in Philadelphia, and went on to 
graduate from South Philadelphia High School and Davis and Elkins 
College. He also received a law degree from the Delaware School of Law.
  At the age of 25, Fred became chairman of the Philadelphia Zoning 
Board of Adjustment. After a three-year post with the Zoning Board, 
Fred served as President of the Philadelphia Port Corporation, 
President of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and finally 
as President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross.
  With vision and confidence, Fred completely revolutionized 
Independence Blue Cross. He devoted a great deal of time and energy to 
Independence Blue Cross, and implemented a vision of trustworthy 
insurance service to his customers for many years. Throughout his 
career, Fred worked vigorously and tirelessly in the pursuit of 
excellence, and I am grateful for the many years of service he provided 
to his community.
  Fred will also be remembered for his community activism and 
willingness to serve on several boards and councils. Specifically, he 
served consecutive terms as chairman of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield 
Association, the country's largest association of private health 
insurers. He is also a former member of the Harvard Health Policy and 
Management Executive Council, a group at the Harvard School of Public 
Health. Fred also served on the boards of Aqua America Inc., Crown 
Holdings Inc., Exelon Corporation, The GEO Group, Inc., and Tasty 
Baking Company. Fred's involvement in civic organizations, including 
the Peter Nero and Philly Pops Board, displayed his dedication as a 
professional to his community.
  It is noticeable by the several awards that Fred received over the 
years that his dedication to service graced his community tremendously. 
In 1995 Fred received the National Patriot's Award from the 
Congressional Medal of Honor Society. In 1996, he received the Thomas 
Cahill Leadership Award and the Jewish National Fund Tree of Life 
Award. Fred has also been honored with the Annual Business Leadership 
Award from LaSalle University; the Good Scout Award for the Cradle of 
Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America; the 95th Annual Whitney M. 
Young Jr. Leadership Award from the Urban League of Philadelphia; and 
the 50th annual Business Leader of the Year award from Drexel 
University.
  Despite his numerous accolades, Fred was an extremely humble man and 
a positive role model to others. I was proud to have Fred serve as my 
first finance chairman in my 1994 race for the Senate. It was during 
that time that we began to develop a close relationship.
  Fred not only leaves behind a legacy, but also a wonderful family. 
Fred was a loving husband to Sylvia and father to Fred and Christine. 
My thoughts and prayers are with the DiBona family during the days and 
months ahead.

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