[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 128 (Tuesday, November 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL MELE AS HE CELEBRATES HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 14, 2006

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join family and friends in wishing Michael Mele the very best as he 
celebrates a remarkable milestone--his 100th birthday! Marking a 
century of hard work and dedication, today's celebration will give 
Michael, or Ozi Mike as he is affectionately known by family and close 
friends, and his loved ones the opportunity to reflect on the many 
accomplishments he has achieved throughout his life as well as how he 
has touched all of their lives,
  A gifted vocalist, dedicated husband and father, devoted parishioner, 
army veteran, and professional technician, Michael is a man of many 
talents that he has shared with hundreds over the course of his life. 
Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Michael has led a 
fascinating life. Upon graduating from high school, he studied voice 
for ten years during which time he became an accomplished tenor. 
Michael sang in productions of such classics as The Barber of Seville 
and Pagliacci and, though the relocation of the production to 
California prevented him from taking the part, he even won a lead role 
opposite Betty Grable in the movie musical Down Argentine Way, During 
his time with the theater, Michael also won roles in several New York 
productions, including An American Comedy and The Family Portrait.
  After marrying his wife, Carmel, in 1942, the couple raised two 
children, sons Michael and Robert. He served in the United States Army 
during World War II where he received training as a dental technician, 
a profession in which he was employed until he was hired by Winchester/
Olin as a lab technician, retiring in 1971. Throughout his life, 
Michael has held a unique devotion to his faith and his church. Michael 
shared his gift for singing with a variety of Catholic churches 
throughout New Haven. He directed glee clubs, choirs, and sang as a 
soloist at St. Ann's, St. Rose's, St. Brendan's, St. Donato's, and Our 
Lady of Mount Carmel in Hamden. In fact, his lifetime of dedicated 
efforts were recognized by the Church when Archbishop Daniel Cronin 
awarded him the prestigious Saint Joseph Award--the archdiocesan medal 
of appreciation for outstanding parishioners,
  An active and inspiring retiree, Michael has continued to dedicate 
his time to his church as well as a new found passion for horse-riding. 
What began--at age seventy-seven--with a gift certificate for riding 
lessons and later--at age eighty--a saddle, has blossomed into a 
beloved hobby. In fact, for a decade after he began riding, he spent 
his summers at the Bitter Root ranch in the mountains of northwest 
Wyoming. At 100 years old, Michael is a living treasure--he still 
rides, drives a car, maintains his own home, attends daily Mass, serves 
on the altar, and is finishing his twenty-sixth year as a fourth grade 
religious education teacher. He is even working on his autobiography 
which I have no doubt will be a real page-turner!
  Today, as Michael celebrates his 100th birthday, I have no doubt that 
he will look back in wonder at the fascinating events that have brought 
him to this moment. In the last century he has witnessed some of the 
most important moments in world history and, through his own efforts, 
has left an indelible mark on the lives of all those who have known 
him. It is my privilege to rise today to join his sons Michael and 
Robert, as well as the many family and friends who have gathered in 
extending my heartfelt congratulations to Michael Mele on his 100th 
birthday. This is a very special day for all of those fortunate enough 
to know Michael. My very best wishes for many more years of health and 
happiness. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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