[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 25, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE GEORGE NAPOLITANO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 25, 2009

  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to George 
Napolitano, who passed away last week after a courageous battle with 
cancer. George was a great friend, a dedicated community leader and a 
devoted family man. He was one of the best men I have ever known. 
People loved George. He was kind, good-hearted, compassionate and hard-
working. He will be sorely missed. To know George, was to love him. He 
was one of the world's really good people.
  George made a lifelong commitment to community service. No matter how 
many other obligations he had, he could always be counted on to pitch 
in and take an active role. He was a member of the Tri-State Italian 
American Congress, a charter member of the Sons of Italy in Manhattan 
which he proudly served as President and a charter member of the 
Knights of Columbus where he was instrumental in coordinating the Youth 
Program. He was very active in the Powhatan Democratic Club, most 
recently serving as District Leader for the club. While his daughter 
attended high school, he was Chairman of the Parents' Association of 
St. Vincent Ferrer High School. For his work as a Lector and Eucharist 
Minister and his commitment to the Holy Name Society he was honored by 
the Brooklyn Diocesan Union.
  He was particularly active in the Holy Name Society of the Immaculate 
Conception Parish. During his tenure as President, the organization 
experienced unprecedented growth. He also co-chaired numerous Holy Name 
Society dinner dances which raised funds for grants for graduating 
students. His hard work and selfless dedication made a real difference 
in the lives of many young people and community members. For his many 
contributions, in 2002 he was named Man of the Year and presented with 
an award at their annual dinner dance.
  George was eventually offered an opportunity to make his community 
activism a career. For ten years, George worked as a legislative aide 
to former Assemblyman Denis J. Butler. Most recently, he joined my 
staff and, at the time of his death, he was managing my Queens office. 
He was a truly dedicated community leader who really understood what 
was going on in the neighborhood he served. My constituents knew that 
George would always offer them good advice and assistance. After he 
became ill, George remained deeply involved in community affairs. He 
attended every community meeting he could and remained active right up 
to the end.
  George was born and raised in the Little Italy section of New York 
City. He attended St. Patrick's Old Cathedral School and All Hallows 
High School before matriculating at St. John's University where he 
completed his BA. Following his study at St. John's, Mr. Napolitano 
began working in the financial sector. In 1960, he left business to 
serve his country in the military. Stationed in Ft. Rucker, Alabama he 
was placed in charge of the Officers Payroll Department. Typically, he 
used his time to become involved in the community life on the base. He 
coached the base's Little League team to a State Championship. George 
was granted an honorable discharge as Sergeant and completed an 
additional four years reserve training. After his service, Mr. 
Napolitano returned to his career in the private sector working again 
in the financial district before beginning a career in real estate and 
insurance. Along with his many other commitments, Mr. Napolitano also 
operates his own real estate and insurance business in Queens, New 
York. George leaves behind his beloved wife, Carol, his four children, 
Deana, Denise, Catherine, and Robert, and several grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the life and career of a truly good man, George Napolitano.

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