[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 20 (Thursday, February 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E147-E148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             ARLENE PIAZZA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2008

  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I stand here today in remembrance of a 
distinguished member of the Fontana community and a dear friend, Arlene 
Piazza.
  Due to complications following surgery, Arlene passed away the night 
of February 5th. Her death comes 3 years after the death of her beloved 
husband, Mr. John Piazza. Together the Piazzas were key players in our 
Fontana school district and city governments. Their absence will be 
felt by many.
  For 18 years Arlene worked in business and industry. Later this 
dedicated woman extended her talents to our Nation's academics where 
she dedicated 20 years to education. We were honored to have her in our 
Fontana Unified school system for 13 of those years. Her zeal and 
passion for educating our children is reflected in those 20 years 
through the numerous roles she took on.
  Arlene served as a gifted counselor and in 2003 was elected to the 
Fontana School Board. There she served as a caring and committed member 
who was known for loving every child. Her work ethic was continuously 
commended and her priorities were always focused on what was best for 
our young students. Her passions were to open doors of opportunity and 
extend a helping hand as she pushed our youth to explore a fulfilling 
educational future. This commitment was made apparent in 2006, when she 
fought to ensure voters approved a $275 million bond measure going 
towards the physical improvement of schools.
  While it is with sadness that we say goodbye to an incredible woman, 
we remember the positive change she made while she was with us. The use 
of her life to benefit her community is unquestionable and has served 
to nurture a sense of priority towards education and our young 
generation's future opportunities. Although now gone, in her absence 
she will continue to serve as an inspiration to us all.
  I thank Arlene Piazza for dedicating her life to service in the 
Fontana community. I am honored to consider Arlene a colleague in the 
fight to improve education and I truly appreciate all she has given to 
our community and our country. She will be greatly missed. Barbara, my 
family, and I extend our deepest condolences to her family.

[[Page E148]]

  Arlene's life was dedicated to family, friends and her community. Her 
memory lives on in our thoughts and prayers. She will always have a 
special place in our hearts. She was special to all of us. She is now 
in a better place with her heavenly Father and at peace.

                          ____________________