[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 59 (Monday, May 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF JOSEPH STEFANI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 9, 2005

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest respect and 
sincerity that I rise today to honor the late Mr. Joseph Stefani. Known 
to many as simply ``Papa Joe,'' he was an endearing friend, a 
successful businessman and beloved member of our community in Merced, 
California. At the age of 92, Joseph Stefani passed away on Saturday, 
April 16, 2005.
  Joseph Stefani, a life-long resident of Merced, was the son of 
Italian immigrants Carlo and Annunziata Stefani. He was born October 
28, 1912 on his parents' 20-acre farm on Franklin Road. He attended and 
graduated from Franklin Grammar School, and then continued on to Merced 
High School. However, before he was able to graduate, the Great 
Depression forced Joe to leave school in order to earn money to help 
pay property taxes on the family's farm.
  Soon after leaving school to work as a grocery clerk, Joe was hired 
at the Workingmen's Clothing Store in downtown Merced. After only four 
years of learning the business, and at the young age of only 24, Joe 
opened his own store--Stefani's Sport Shop on June 1, 1936. With a 
lifetime of success and happiness ahead of them, Joe married his first 
love, Mary Gonella Stefani on February 5, 1938. In the years following, 
the Stefani's business expanded and prospered. They eventually opened 
an additional store in the Merced Mall, and in the neighboring 
communities of Atwater and Los Banos. After 51 years as a downtown 
merchant, Joe reluctantly retired in 1987. In addition to creating and 
maintaining a successful business, Joe and Mary created a beautiful 
family of three children, Bob, Larry and Kathleen.
  Throughout his life, Joe Stefani remained committed to the growth of 
Merced and dedicated his time to countless civic and business 
committees including the Merced Downtown Improvement Association, and 
the Merced Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Downtown Rotary 
Club for more than fifty years and was a Paul Harris Fellow. His 
service to the community continued up to the time of his passing, as he 
was currently a member of many organizations including the Merced Elks 
Lodge, and the Italian Catholic Federation. Throughout his entire life, 
Joe was a devout Catholic and an active member of Our Lady of Mercy/St. 
Patrick's Parish. He was instrumental in the building of a new Our Lady 
of Mercy School which opened in 1956, and in the building of St. 
Patrick's Catholic Church in the 1990's. During his life he had the 
distinct honor of a personal audience with Pope John Paul II which 
serves as further evidence of his lifelong commitment to his church.
  Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary, his son Bob, and 
his brother Angelo Stefani. He is survived by his son Larry and 
daughter Kathleen, both of Merced, his sister Mary Lucich of Merced, 
his sister Caroline Cugia of Concord, 11 grandchildren, 11 great-
grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to join the community of 
Merced in recognizing Joseph ``Papa Joe'' Stefani. Our community 
benefits greatly from the example he set throughout his lifetime of 
service as a successful businessman who dedicated his life to his 
community, his family, and his faith.

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