[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1861-E1862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE MEMORY OF MR. GEORGE SINOPOLI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2006

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. 
George Sinopoli, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 30, 
2006. Mr. Sinopoli lived a life of honor and sincere loyalty to those 
he cared for and to the causes for which he fought. He was an exemplary 
advocate within the entire State of California for Veterans' Rights.
  Born on April 13, 1918, Mr. Sinopoli spent his childhood in both 
Fresno and Chicago Heights, Illinois. He returned to Fresno as a teen 
and lived there the remainder of his life. In 1942, Mr. Sinopoli 
enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, where he served as an 
airplane mechanic. His interest in airplanes flourished and through 
hard work and determination he proved that he qualified for flight 
training as a cadet. Mr. Sinopoli graduated as a pilot in 1943 and he 
immediately reported to his first assignment with the Troop Carrier 
Command. Upon completion of his service in the military, Mr. Sinopoli 
joined the workforce and embarked on his lifelong career with Jensen & 
Pilegard. After 54 years of dedicated service, Mr. Sinopoli retired 
from the company.
  Aside from his commitments to his family and the workforce, Mr. 
Sinopoli was a longtime advocate for veterans in the Valley. In 1951 he 
joined the American Legion and held many offices in the organization, 
including: Post Commander of 594, District Commander, Department 
Commander of the State of California, and as an aide to the National 
Commander. He was also a life member of the American Legion, Disabled 
American Veterans and AM-VETS. Further, Mr. Sinopoli was a member of 
the Elks Lodge and Chairman of the California Citizens Flag Alliance.
  In 1964, Mr. Sinopoli's leadership efforts were recognized when he 
received the distinctive honor through his appointment, by then 
Governor Pat Brown, to the California Veterans Board. His extensive 
knowledge surrounding veterans' affairs allowed him to also serve on 
the California Veterans Board as Chairman for Governors Ronald Reagan, 
Jerry Brown, Gray Davis, and most recently, Arnold Schwarzenegger. In 
addition to his responsibilities to the State Board, Mr. Sinopoli 
energetically supported assistance to the homeless veterans, as well as 
those placed in residence at the three California Veterans Homes. 
Lastly, he was a founding member of the Central California Veterans 
Home Support Foundation, a support group dedicated to build a veterans 
home in Fresno to serve all Valley veterans.
  George Sinopoli is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Gloria Jean; 
son, Sam and his wife Judi; grandchildren, Anthony, Michael, Julie and 
Lauren; and sister, Louise.
  Although his passing brings sadness to those whose life he touched, 
Mr. Sinopoli's

[[Page E1862]]

warm and compassionate personality which inspired those around him will 
be missed deeply and his life and his accomplishments will always be 
remembered.

                          ____________________