[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF ANGELO RUSSO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2008

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the wonderful 
life of Angelo Russo, upon the joyous occasion of his 100th birthday.
  Mr. Russo was born on November 11, 1908, in the beautiful village of 
Caserta, Italy, where he farmed his whole life. In 1933, at the age of 
25, he married the love of his life, the late Michelina. Together they 
raised four children, one girl, Giovanna and three boys, Andrea, 
Gennaro and the late Mario. Angelo and Michelina were married for forty 
years until her passing in 1973. With an unwavering love and commitment 
to his family, and the realization of Italy's harsh economic climate, 
Mr. Russo gave his blessings to his sons as they left home to journey 
to America in search of opportunities and possibilities. Mr. Russo 
remained in Italy until 1993, when he packed his belongings and said 
goodbye to all he held dear within the valleys and hills of his beloved 
Italian homeland, and at the age of 85, came to live with family in 
America.
  Although adjusting to life in America was difficult at times, Mr. 
Russo has enjoyed the renewed closeness with his sons and their 
families. His love for gardening is evident every year, as he assists 
and directs the planting, maintenance and harvesting of the family 
garden. Remarkably, even as he was nearing the age of ninety, Mr. Russo 
was still an avid cyclist, riding his bicycle throughout Greater 
Cleveland's west side suburbs for ten to fifteen miles at a time. He 
continues to enjoy gardening, red wine, espresso, homemade Italian 
cooking and most of all, he continues to covet the love of his family--
his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Angelo 
Russo, as we join him in celebration of his 100th birthday. Mr. Russo 
is the foundation of his family in America and in Italy--and his 
wonderful life's journey continues to shine through his frequent smile, 
wisdom, and kind heart. His life continues to transcend time and 
distance--spanning an ocean, two continents and one hundred years. We 
wish Mr. Russo, and his family--in Cleveland and in Caserta, a 
beautiful birthday celebration e desiderare che lei ama, la pace, la 
salute e la felicita sempre.

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