[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 29, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE O'SULLIVANS ON THEIR 50TH WEDDIING ANNIVERSARY

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 29, 2008

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. 
Owen Michael O'Sullivan on the cerebration of their 50th wedding 
anniversary.
  Owen and Geannine O'Sullivan were married 50 years on June 14, 2008. 
They raised 4 children and have 12 grandchildren.
  Owen was born in 1935 in New York City, NY, where he lived with his 
parents, two brothers and a sister. He graduated from Cardinal Hayes 
H.S. in 1953 where he studied trombone and further developed his love 
of music. After attending what is now known as the School of Visual 
Arts in NYC, Owen was drafted into the Army where his musical skills 
helped him become a member of the U.S. Army Band.
  Geannine Bernard O'Sullivan was born in New York City in 1935. 
Subsequent to completing high school, Geannine was admitted to the 
Fashion Academy in NYC. After successfully graduating, she worked as a 
designer and illustrator in the city. Here she learned how designs 
turned into the reality of actual production. To this day, she still 
uses her talent and skills in the design and hand sewing of beautiful 
St. Nicholas dolls.
  Owen met Geannine on a blind date before going overseas. However, 
they remained pen pals until his return in 1956. They eventually moved 
to Morris County, NJ, where Owen, having started in the printing 
industry, opened his own advertising agency, Graphicus 14. His agency 
grew, as did their family. Four children later, the agency became 
O'Sullivan Advertising/Public Relations located in Morristown, NJ. 
Geannine became president of Special Occasion Dresses for Children.
  Owen and Geannine, devout Catholics, also gave back to their 
community. Their endless charity and community involvements, as well as 
their strong values, were known in many organizations such as the 
Junior Chamber of Commerce, interfaith groups and Catholic church 
groups. One of Owen's proudest achievements was when he was made a 
Knight of Malta. Presently Owen and Geannine are active on the board of 
the Caring Basket Gala of Assumption College for Sisters. Owen is the 
Charter Chairman and Geannine is a strong backup and Committee member. 
Over the last 7 years, they have raised over $630,000 and helped save 
the college.
  Nothing, though, was more important in their lives then their sense 
of family. ``Family always comes first,'' they always said, and that 
was demonstrated almost daily throughout their 50 years together.
  Congratulations again to Owen and Geannine O'Sullivan. Their story is 
reflective of the American dream, the children of immigrants, working 
hard and playing by the rules to create better lives for themselves and 
their children. As a result, they have made their community, their 
church, New Jersey, and our Nation a better place to live for future 
generations.

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