[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 125 (Tuesday, September 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             JOHN SOLLAZZO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. McMAHON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2009

  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Sollazzo, a 
lifelong Staten Islander, dear friend, dedicated community organizer 
and Staten Island's own ``Mr. Democrat,'' who turned 70 on July 25, 
2009. From his service in the Navy to his active participation in 
various community organizations, Mr. Sollazzo is the premier example of 
the engaged citizen, the truly civic individual who I know will 
continue to be for generations to come.
  Born and raised on Staten Island by his father, the late Nicolas 
Sollazzo, and his mother, Helen Trifoglio. He attended P.S. 22, also 
known as the Granitville School, and Port Richmond High School.
  Mr. Sollazzo served with the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1960 on the Ships 
Company of the U.S.S. Intrepid. After his service to our nation he 
became a New York City Firefighter, one of New York's Bravest, and 
continued to serve his community until his retirement in 1983.
  Mr. Sollazzo has always been willing to give of his time to help 
others. He has worked to keep kids off streets and spent hours teaching 
them valuable skills as an instructor for Youth Against Crime of Staten 
Island. As an executive board member of Meals on Wheels, he fought to 
maintain and expand this essential program for our neediest seniors. He 
has also been involved in various other organizations such as Rotary 
International, Boy Scouts of America, the American Red Cross, and the 
Knights of Columbus.
  Because of his continued service to our island, Mr. Sollazzo has been 
the recipient of many awards from various youth, service, and political 
organizations. He has been recognized by the New York City Council and 
the New York State Senate for his outstanding contributions.
  Outside of his professional life, Mr. Sollazzo is a devoted family 
man. He has been married to Frances Adamo for more than 48 years. He is 
the father to John, Jr., Elizabeth and Ellen Mary and the beloved 
grandfather of Nicholas, Laura, Vincent, Maria and Levi.
  Mr. Sollazzo has been active in democratic politics for as long as 
anyone can remember. Now serving as the 1st Vice Chairman of the 
Richmond County Democratic Committee, John has been involved in every 
democratic campaign for the last 25 years. He continues to be the top 
petition canvasser in the borough. He is well known for his ability to 
run successful judicial campaigns; having insured that every judicial 
candidate's campaign he has run has won. He carried the party flag as a 
candidate on three occasions. Through his personal zeal and undying 
commitment, he has built the Richmond County Democratic Party into a 
vibrant, active political organization.
  Without John's invaluable assistance in my last campaign, I might not 
be standing here today. His limitless energy and enthusiasm for his 
family, his Democratic Party and his community, belie the fact that he 
has just turned 70 years old.
  John Sollazzo celebrated his 70th Birthday on July 25, 2009. This 
celebration will not only be an anniversary of the birth of Mr. 
Sollazzo but also a celebration of his contributions to the people of 
Staten Island. I am proud to call John my friend and I wish him many 
more years to come. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in 
commending John Sollazzo on his dedication to the citizens of Staten 
Island.

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