[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 76 (Thursday, June 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING VINCENT J. TONUCCI FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE 
                               COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2005

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join the many family, friends, and community members who have 
gathered to pay tribute to an outstanding member of our community and a 
dear friend, the Honorable Vincent J. Tonucci. Retiring just last year 
after 9 terms as the State Representative for Connecticut's 104th 
District, Vinny has dedicated a lifetime of hard work and dedication to 
the Naugatuck Valley.
  In his 18 years as a State Representative, Vinny has a long and proud 
history of legislative accomplishments for his District and the state 
of Connecticut. Sponsoring and introducing legislation aimed at 
improving the quality of life for children, defending the environment, 
protecting health care for seniors, and providing for local economic 
development, Vinny was dedicated to ensuring that a variety of 
important issues were debated and addressed. Throughout his nine terms 
in Connecticut's General Assembly, Vinny developed a distinguished 
reputation as a public official--accessible to his constituents and 
fighting for their best interests. His career has been a reflection of 
all that an elected representative should be.
  Vinny's remarkable commitment to community and public service extends 
well beyond his time in the General Assembly. Prior to his election to 
Connecticut's House of Representatives, he served on the Board of 
Alderman in the City of Derby as well as a member of the Naugatuck 
Valley Capitol Planning Committee. Among the many local service 
organizations which benefit from his good work, Vinny is a member of 
the Webster Hose Fire Department, St. Michael's Society of Ansonia, 
Derby Elk's Lodge, and the Valley Association of Realtors. He also 
serves on the consulting committee at Emmett O'Brien Regional 
Vocational School, the Board of Directors of the Lower Naugatuck Valley 
Boys & Girls Club, the Birmingham Group of Ansonia, and the Valley 
United Way. Vinny is a tireless advocate--always ready to lend a 
helping hand and a powerful voice on behalf of the businesses, 
organizations, residents, and families of the Naugatuck Valley.
  Through his good work as an elected official and community volunteer, 
his warmth, compassion, and generosity made a difference not only in 
the communities that he represented, but for families across 
Connecticut. For his many years of outstanding public service, I am 
proud to stand today to join his wife, Cindy, daughters, Cara and 
Christa, family, friends, constituents, and the communities of Derby 
and Ansonia in extending my sincere thanks and appreciation to the 
Honorable Vincent J. Tonucci. He has left an indelible mark on this 
community and a legacy that will serve as an inspiration for 
generations to come.

                          ____________________