[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 116 (Tuesday, July 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN CELEBRATION OF HUMANITARIAN AND CIVIC LEADER ALBERT TEGLIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE SPEIER-

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2008

  Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I rise this evening in celebration of a 
true humanitarian and community leader, Albert Mario Teglia, who has 
served his community and our nation for well over half a century as a 
public employee, elected official and mentor.
  Albert Teglia has lived his entire life in San Mateo County. Born in 
Colma on June 27, 1931, as a teenager he moved to Daly City, a 
community he would serve with distinction as a Trustee of the Jefferson 
Union High School District, Daly City Councilman, and Mayor. During his 
long tenure in public office, Al was widely-respected as a hard worker, 
unabashed community booster and savvy coalition-builder. I had the 
privilege of working with Al on many issues, as well as the daunting 
challenge of opposing him on a handful of others. Whether sitting side-
by-side or across the table, Al always earned my complete respect for 
his thoughtfulness and honesty.
  Upon his retirement after 38 years with the San Mateo Union High 
School District and 26 years in elected office, Al continued his 
service as Legislative Aide to San Mateo County Supervisor Mary 
Griffin. From there, at the sprightly age of 69, he became a family and 
children advocate for the San Mateo County Human Services Agency, where 
he has been instrumental in founding programs such as Jobs for You, 
which provides employment for young people; the Peddler Program, 
Children's Fund, and the Italian Catholic Federation's Gifts of Love, 
which gather donations of cash, household items, food and toys for 
local families in need; and the Uninsured Children's Dental Program, 
which finds dentists for children from underprivileged families.
  Madam Speaker, how a life this full allows any time for socializing, 
I can't fathom. But Albert Teglia, true to his Italian heritage, is a 
man of boundless energy and passion. This is evidenced by his 
membership in the Italian Catholic Federation, where he served as Grand 
President and in many other capacities since joining in 1948. It was at 
the ICF that he met the beautiful and vivacious Frances Foglia, a one-
time Sacramento District President who, after decades of friendship, 
consented to marry the still-handsome Albert when both found themselves 
newly-single in their later years.
  On April 1st of this year, Albert and Frances, both 77 years young, 
were married. Albert joins Frances' large and boisterous family of two 
children, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Of all the 
responsibilities and projects Al has taken on in his busy and 
productive life, none will be as rewarding, fulfilling (and exhausting) 
as becoming a new great-grandfather.
   But, Madam Speaker, those of us who know Al Teglia know that he will 
succeed in this new challenge as he has succeeded in every task he has 
undertaken. He will do it with grace, compassion, intellect and an 
undeniable charisma. The Foglia family is fortunate to have him join 
them, just as I am honored to have him as a constituent and proud to 
call Albert Teglia my friend.

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