[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 146 (Friday, September 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO JO PICONE

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                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 27, 2007

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay great 
honor to Jo Picone, a Radiologic Technologist from Hartford, CT, who 
has dedicated her life to the care of others. Since 1948, Jo has worked 
to ensure the health and well-being of her patients, children, and 
community. Indeed, although she officially retired from her 38-year ER 
career in 2000, the 78-year-old continues to work part-time at an 
outpatient clinic.
  The daughter of Italian immigrants, Jo graduated from the 
Massachusetts School of Physical Therapy and Medical Technology, and 
completed her clinical training at Massachusetts General and Beth 
Israel hospitals in Boston. She received further training at St. Luke's 
Hospital in New Bedford, Massachusetts. As a student, Ms. Picone found 
that she loved the art and science of radiology, as well as the patient 
care. And this love has certainly stayed with her through the years.
  While in Boston, Jo was secretary of the Massachusetts Society of 
Radiologic Technologists. Through this position, she was able to meet 
influential members of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists 
(ASRT), an organization with which she has worked closely. For over 50 
years now, Jo has been involved with ASRT and state affiliate 
functions.
  Her career progressed in Massachusetts; she became a senior 
technologist at Marlboro Hospital and then chief technologist at Boston 
State Hospital. It was there that she met and fell in love with Angelo 
Picone, a psychiatric social worker. They married and moved to 
Connecticut, where Angelo worked in the Hartford school system. 
Together, they raised 6 children--five boys and a girl. Though she 
stayed home when they were young, Jo worked 60-hour weeks in the ER at 
Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center to put each of her children 
through college.
  Jo is well-respected among her colleagues. Many recognize her 
tireless work on Connecticut's first licensure bill that passed in 
1993. Jo is also known for her advocacy in DC in support of the 
Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence in Medical Imaging 
and Radiation Therapy bill (H.R. 583), of which I am a cosponsor.
  Jo retired in 2000 after 33 years in the emergency room at Saint 
Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, Connecticut. However, 
she continues to work at a Saint Francis outpatient clinic throughout 
the week. Jo also volunteers at Saint Francis for the teen safety 
program, ``Let's Not Meet by Accident,'' which educates new drivers in 
high school about the effects of poor decisionmaking.
  Jo is truly in possession of an upbeat attitude and zest for her 
profession. Co-workers know her as someone who is fun to be around and 
full of life. According to one, ``She can out-work anyone half her 
age.'' I have had the personal experience of having her treat family 
members with care, professionalism, and the warmth that comes from a 
nurturing soul.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the 
tremendous work and service of Jo Picone. Jo lives by the words of 
baseball legend Jackie Robinson ``A life is not important except in the 
impact it has on other lives.'' I am honored to know such a remarkable 
individual.

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