[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 5, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S1593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING REPRESENTATIVE ALDO VAGNOZZI
Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, Representative Aldo Vagnozzi is a beloved
figure in Michigan. He is one of those people who talks the talk, walks
the walk, and does both to the great benefit of all of those who are
fortunate enough to cross his path.
Aldo served in the U.S. Army during World War II as an interpreter in
Italy, talking in English and Italian and rising to the rank of
sergeant. He took advantage of the GI bill to finish his education at
Wayne State University, graduating with a degree in journalism in 1948.
That same year, he married Lois Carl, beginning a 50-year marriage.
They would raise two daughters and two sons, seven grandchildren, and
two great-grandchildren.
As editor of several publications, including numerous labor
newspapers, Aldo reported on and learned about Michigan's social and
political environment and the workings of government. This
understanding, along with his knack for making friends, would serve him
and the State of Michigan well.
Aldo would later serve on the Farmington Hills City Council, the
Farmington District School Board, the Farmington Area Parent-Teacher
Association, and as the mayor of Farmington Hills. He has been actively
involved in numerous community organizations.
In 2002, Aldo ran for election to the Michigan House of
Representatives. He personally went door-to-door to 15,000 houses,
walking over 900 miles including a 5-day, 70-mile walk from Farmington
Hills to Lansing.
Term limits will keep Aldo from continuing his service in the House
of Representatives after his current term ends this year, and he will
be deeply missed by his colleagues and his constituents.
I salute my friend Aldo Vagnozzi for his years and years of service
to Michigan, his indomitable spirit, and his remarkable ability to
walk, talk, and sometimes do both while working for the people of
Michigan.
I have lost track of the retirement parties I have been to for Aldo
Vagnozzi. I am confident his next one won't be his last as he moves on
to other endeavors.
____________________