[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 141 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING WILLIAM CERIONI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and 
accomplishments of William ``Bill'' Cerioni and to recognize him upon 
being named the ``Memorial Honoree'' by the Madera Chamber of Commerce. 
Mr. Cerioni was honored at a reception on Thursday, August 21, 2008, at 
the Fourth Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards and Board of Directors 
Installation Dinner.
  Mr. Bill Cerioni was born and raised in Madera, California. His 
father owned and operated Cerioni's Clothing Store. As a child he would 
work in the store sweeping floors and washing windows earning 25 cents 
per week. Mr. Cerioni graduated from Madera High School and attended 
Fresno State University, now California State University, Fresno. He 
was in school for 2 years before he joined the military during World 
War II. He had dreams of becoming a Navy pilot; however, with poor 
vision, the Navy and the Army Air Forces turned him away. He did enlist 
with the Army Air Forces as a gunner and served in the 8th Air Force 
Division just outside of London, England.
  In 1946, Mr. Cerioni became a partner at Cerioni's Clothing Store 
with his father. He had new ideas and wanted to broaden the clientele 
by providing a wider selection of merchandise and building a new store. 
In 1947 construction began and in 1949 the new store opened, which 
included a ladies' department. The family business experienced 
tremendous success. Mr. Cerioni's father passed away in 1962 and the 
business was left to him to operate. Remembering the family history of 
the store, Mr. Cerioni put his own sons to work in the store to 
continue the tradition of a father-son partnership.
  Mr. Cerioni was an avid golfer. He and his golf partners, Attorney 
Denny Green and Dr. Ray Miles, decided to develop a private golf and 
country club. They purchased land with backing from a number of 
community members. With some hard work and perseverance, the doors of 
the Madera Golf Country Club were opened in 1954. He always took pride 
in what he did, and felt that his success was the result of providing 
quality services and products. Since he understood that success came 
from the community, it was important for him to show the same support 
to the community.
  Beyond his business, golf and his family, he gave to his community. 
Mr. Cerioni was a member of the Madera Rotary Club for over 30 years, 
with perfect attendance for 28 of those years. He was a charter member 
of the 20/30 Club, involved in his church, member of the Madera Elks 
and was very active in the Madera Merchants Association and the Madera 
Chamber of Commerce. He assisted in launching the Downtown Parking 
Commission. Over the years, Mr. Cerioni was financially supportive to 
numerous local charities, including school activities.
  As a young man, Mr. Cerioni met and married Francis Miller from 
Sanger, California. They have two children, Jeff and Craig; and four 
grandchildren Ryan, Tisha, Rori, and Bart.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to posthumously honor William ``Bill'' 
Cerioni for his dedication to his family, his business and his 
community. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring his life and 
wishing the best for his family.

                          ____________________