[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 30, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S9978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO FRANK D. STELLA

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to a pillar of my 
community, Detroit businessman and philanthropist Frank D. Stella.
  Born in Pennsylvania, the son of Italian immigrants, he founded the 
F.D. Stella Products Company in Detroit in 1946, shortly after he 
returned from military service during World War II. Frank has built the 
company into a nationwide network of food-service suppliers, forming 
the backbone of his business and civic involvement in Michigan. And 
that involvement is extensive. From business to health care to the arts 
to charity work, there is little that happens in Detroit that doesn't 
involve Frank Stella in some way. Frank has long been active in the 
city's most important business groups, including the Detroit Regional 
Chamber of Commerce and Detroit Economic Club. A patron of the arts, he 
has served on governing boards for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, 
Michigan Opera Theatre, and Detroit Discovery Museum. He has 
demonstrated a longtime commitment to health care, serving on the 
boards of the Detroit Medical Center, Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital, 
Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center, and Grace Hospital of Detroit. 
Education has been another focus: He has served on the boards of the 
University of Detroit-Mercy, his alma mater, as well as the Wayne 
County Community College Foundation.
  The breadth and depth of his accomplishments and involvement has 
drawn the notice of many. Organizations as diverse as the Detroit Urban 
League, the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, and the American 
Institute of Architects have honored him for his contributions. In 
1995, he received an Ellis Island Medal of Honor, an award recognizing 
the importance of the immigrant experience in American life. The 
Italian Government has bestowed numerous awards upon him, as have four 
U.S. Presidents. His support of his Roman Catholic faith has earned the 
thanks of popes.
  On Oct. 30, many of Frank's friends will gather to honor his 90th 
birthday. Fittingly, the celebration will serve as a fundraiser for 
four more of Frank's causes: the National Italian American Foundation 
Scholarship Fund, Orders of the Sons of Italy in America, Italian 
Language Inter-Cultural Alliance, and Boys' Town of Italy. I thank him 
for his years of service to our city and State and wish him continued 
health and success in his many community endeavors.

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