[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 159 (Tuesday, December 13, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S13498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF THE MEMORY OF NICK BRONZAN

   Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise to honor the memory of the 
late Nick Bronzan, a tireless champion for young people and seniors in 
central California. Mr. Bronzan, a long-time Fresno resident, passed 
away in the peaceful company of his family and loved ones on December 
4, 2005. He was 90 years old.
  Nick Bronzan, the son of Yugoslavian immigrants, was a true son of 
California's Central Valley. He was born in Stockton and spent his 
formative years in Manteca. A gifted athlete, Nick excelled as a 
football player at Fresno State College. Admired by his coaches and 
teammates for his great leadership qualities, Nick served as the 
captain of the 1939 championship team.
  Upon graduation, Nick taught mathematics and coached a number of 
sports at Kerman High School for 5 years. Nick and his wife Peggy were 
beloved for all they did in both school and community activities. He 
would further his passion for helping young people by working for the 
YMCA in Fresno, Tulare, and Culver City. In 1961, Nick became the 
general secretary of the Fresno YMCA, and 7 years later, he was 
appointed as the executive director of the Central Valley YMCA. 
Throughout his professional career, Nick demonstrated an unyielding 
commitment to positively impact the lives of young people.
  In his retirement, Nick generously lent his leadership and passion 
for community service to a number of very worthy and empowering causes. 
As director of the Fresno Foster Grandparents Program, he spearheaded a 
volunteer program for seniors to work with children lacking parents and 
families. Nick also began a house-sharing organization to increase and 
enhance older companionship. A powerful and determined advocate for the 
senior community, Nick successfully convinced businesses to hire senior 
watchmen to work late shifts. In 1984, he was appointed by then-
California Assembly Speaker Willie L. Brown, Jr., to the California 
Commission on Aging and Long-Term Care. Whereas some see their golden 
years as a time to fade into the background in public life, Nick 
embraced it as an opportunity to continue to lead, to motivate others, 
and to make good things happen.
  Nick Bronzan devoted 70 of his 90 years to community service. Nick 
selflessly gave his boundless energy, genuine compassion, and precious 
humanity to uplifting and empowering those who are most often neglected 
in our society: the young and the old. Nick has left behind a legacy of 
service and the admiration of those whose lives he touched over the 
years. He will be dearly missed.
  Nick is survived by his wife Peggy; two daughters, Mary Bronzan and 
Ann McDonald; son, Bruce; five grandchildren and seven great-
grandchildren. On December 11, more than 200 members of his family and 
friends gathered in Fresno to honor a rich life, well lived.

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