[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 155 (Friday, October 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF JOE MASELLI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE SCALISE

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 23, 2009

  Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor 
my friend Joe Maselli, the son of Italian immigrants who passed away on 
October 18, 2009. Joe Maselli was a proud New Orleanian for over 60 
years. He may best be known as a proud and tireless advocate for the 
preservation of Italian heritage and culture, and a devoted family man.
  Joe Maselli earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University 
and served for three years in the U.S. Army.
  Joe devoted much of his life to the celebration of the Italian 
cultural contribution to America. He helped create the Italian Village 
at the 1984 Worlds Fair in New Orleans, and founded the American-
Italian Renaissance Foundation, as well as the American-Italian Sports 
Hall of Fame, which awards scholarships to up and coming athletes and 
scholars.
  Joe was an Ethnic Affairs Advisor to Presidents Ford, Carter, and 
Reagan. In 1992, the Governor of Louisiana chose him to chair the 
Louisiana Quincentenary Commission honoring Louisiana's 500th 
Anniversary.
  Even with all of Joe's accomplishments, he always put his family 
first. Joe is survived by his wife of 63 years, Antoinette Cammarata, 
their four children, and eight grandchildren, which I know he 
considered his greatest accomplishments.
  I extend my sincere condolences to the Maselli family and will work 
to ensure that the distinguished legacy of my friend Joe Maselli is not 
forgotten by future generations.

                          ____________________