[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 56 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF JOSEPH GARCIA SACA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 2006

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest respect and 
admiration that I rise today to honor the late Mr. Joseph Garcia Saca. 
Joe was not only an endearing member of our community in Merced County, 
California, but he was a beloved member of my family. He was a very 
special and well respected man to many people, known for his gift of 
conversation, unwavering faith and positive approach to life. At the 
age of 84, Joseph Garcia Saca passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2006.
  Joe, a longtime resident of the Atwater/Winton area of Merced County, 
was born to the late John and Adeline Saca in Pico, Azores on August 
11, 1921. At the age of 7, Joe arrived in the United States with his 
mother and late brother John. In the years that followed, Joe attended 
Fruitland Grammar School in Winton, met his wife Laura Maciel and 
married on May 14, 1944.
  To describe Joe's life as anything less than amazing would not 
suffice. Throughout his 84 blessed years, he participated in many 
successful business ventures throughout Merced County. He owned and 
operated the Arena Grocery Store in Livingston and was also a 
successful almond rancher for many years. In the 1950's Joe put his 
natural talent as a gifted conversationalist to work as a local talk 
show host for KYOS. In 1952, Joe established what would become his most 
memorable business--Kathy's Tot Shop in Atwater. Named after his 
daughter, the children's apparel store grew up with Kathy. Years later 
it was renamed to Kathy's Deb U Teens and specialized in teen clothing, 
and then in its last years it was simply Kathy's, selling women's wear 
until it was sold in 1977.
  Throughout his life, Joe was involved in many community organizations 
and activities. He held the position of past President of the Atwater 
Pentecost Association and the Atwater Chamber of Commerce, was a member 
of the Lion's Club and Knights of Columbus. He dedicated many hours of 
service as President of the St. Anthony's Parent's Club and in 
countless volunteer positions for St. Anthony's Church. He has 
certainly left behind a legacy of community service that is to be 
admired and followed.
  Joe is survived by his wife Laura with whom he shared 62 years of 
fulfilling happiness, and his three wonderful children and their 
spouses: Kathy and Wayne Jansen, Ron and Kathy Saca and Alan Saca. 
Known as ``Papa,'' Joe adored his grandchildren Laurie Havel and her 
husband Richard, Kori Lynn Jansen and Allyson, Gigi and Caroline Saca, 
and his only great grandchild Tyler Havel.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor and privilege to join my family 
and community in honoring the memory my dear cousin, Joseph Garcia 
Saca. He will be greatly missed by all.

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