[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 93 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. NICK MANCINI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness 
that thousands of St. Paul friends and neighbors, along with me, mourn 
the passing of Mr. Nick Mancini. At 80 years of age, Nick died on May 
29, 2007, and Minnesota lost a very special person.
  Nick Mancini, a man of exceptional kindness, generosity and warmth of 
spirit, was the owner of Mancini's Char House and Lounge, a St. Paul 
landmark since the 1960s. For those who have never visited Nick 
Mancini's restaurant, it would be difficult to understand the deep 
sentiment and fondness we in St. Paul feel for Nick and his family. For 
those of us who have frequented Mancini's, we were always made to feel 
at home and Nick, his sons and the entire staff made us feel special--
like we were part of the family. In a fast food era when the tradition 
of hospitality is increasingly lost in America, St. Paul is blessed 
with a special place--Mancini's Char House--where every customer is 
made to feel welcome and comfortable, and that is before you started 
eating a delicious steak dinner.
  Hospitality and generosity were the hallmark of Nick Mancini's career 
and calling. He was a restaurateur, a neighborhood anchor, a St. Paul 
legend and a very, very caring man who I will miss and always remember. 
For me, visiting with Nick was always special. This was because being 
Nick's guest was to be enveloped by his warmth, sincerity and kindness. 
It didn't matter whether you were a Member of Congress, a U.S. Senator, 
the Mayor of St. Paul, a carpenter, a teacher, or a truck driver, to 
Nick you were his guest. Everyone was treated special and with respect, 
and everyone left his restaurant a little heavier and happier.
  Along with remembering Nick, I would like to acknowledge his family 
and express my condolences to Nick's wife, Maryann, his sons Pat, John 
and Nick, Jr., and his grandchildren.
  The work of Nick Mancini will not disappear with his passing. 
Mancini's Char House will continue to be a St. Paul landmark and an 
oasis of hospitality. Pat and John Mancini are carrying on the 
tradition of hospitality and community leadership that so many of us in 
St. Paul admire and appreciate. For this lasting tradition St. Paul, 
Minnesota, and our Nation has Nick Mancini to thank.

                          ____________________