[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING FATHER MICHAEL ZUFFOLETTO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2008

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today 
to honor a truly respected and dedicated public servant. Father Michael 
Zuffoletto who recently decided to retire, has not only served as a 
teacher and coach, but he has also served as a chaplain for our brave 
men and women of the United States Navy. Father Zuffoletto a native of 
Buffalo, New York has been, and will continue to be, an embodiment of 
compassion and virtue.
  Father Zuffoletto was ordained into the priesthood for the Diocese of 
Buffalo in 1972, and received his Masters in Educational Administration 
from Canisius College in 1979. He would go on to teach religious 
studies at local Catholic schools, and coach various sports teams.
  In 1984, Father Zuffoletto reported to Navy Chaplain School. Father 
Zuffoletto quickly began serving on tours of duty; in fact, Father 
Zuffoletto has served on over ten different tours throughout the world, 
including to the coast of Japan, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the Arabian 
Gulf. Father Zuffoletto even served as chaplain for President George 
H.W. Bush during the 50th anniversary memorial of the attack on Pearl 
Harbor. As a chaplain, Father Zuffoletto oversaw the religious and 
spiritual formation of thousands of service men and women as well as 
provided Mass and the sacraments all over the world.
  Of his many service awards, Father Zuffoletto is the recipient of the 
Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, 
and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Recently, Father 
Zuffoletto has also served as Chaplain General of the Navy Order of the 
United States, chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Council 9486, the 
Italian Federation, and the John Paul II Foundation of Monterey.
  In his free time, Father Zuffoletto has served as an off-ice official 
for the National Hockey League, the American Hockey League, the East 
Coast Hockey League and the Atlantic Coast Hockey League.
  Father Zuffoletto is remarkable, in every sense of the word, and has 
shown all of us the importance of true compassion, loyalty, and faith.
  Madam Speaker, in recognition of Father Michael Zuffoletto's 
tremendous contributions to our great nation, I ask this Honorable Body 
to join me in honoring him, in grateful appreciation for his 
extraordinary service to the people of Western New York and to the 
people of this country.

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