[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 121 (Monday, September 25, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1817-E1818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO GEORGE SILVESTRI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 25, 2006

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay respect and 
tribute to Mr. George Silvestri, who passed away on July 6 at the age 
of 87.
  George Silvestri was born in Youngstown, OH in 1919 and graduated 
from East High School. After high school George served in the U.S. Army 
under General Patton for 4 years and earned the rank of sergeant in the 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After his discharge in 1945, he returned 
home to Youngstown and soon after married Elvira DeCato.
  George applied his experience serving his country to serving the 
Mahoning Valley by forming a construction company with his brothers, 
Frank and Anthony. The Silvestri Brothers Construction Company later 
expanded to a number of different companies that focused on a wider 
range of development and construction.
  These construction companies contributed to some of the most well 
known projects in the 17th District, such as the Delphi Packard plant

[[Page E1818]]

in Warren, the GM Assembly plant in Lordstown, and General Electric in 
Ravenna. In addition to these sites, the Silvestri Brothers's companies 
were instrumental in developing and building interstates and 
expressways throughout the Mahoning Valley, as well as western 
Pennsylvania.
  Aside from these larger endeavors, Mr. Silvestri and his brothers 
developed sewer and water line projects, as well as residential 
development in and around the Youngstown area. This small- and large-
scale infrastructure was crucial to the growing economy of the Mahoning 
Valley. His companies laid not only the foundation for businesses and 
transportation throughout the 17th District, but also for future 
entrepreneurs in the Mahoning Valley.
  A member of the Ohio Contractors Association, the Trumbull County 
Builders Association, and the National Italian American Federation, 
George Silvestri retired in 1984. Mr. Silvestri's legacy in the 
Mahoning Valley will live on through his work and the many people who 
have benefited from his contributions. I am honored to have represented 
George Silvestri and he will be missed.

                          ____________________